N1146/186

ずじまい

V-ずじまい

Meanings

Ended up not doing something
Never got around to
In the end, failed to do/attempt something

About this pattern

Explanation

A pattern used to express that you ended up not doing something you intended to do. It emphasizes regret or a sense of missed opportunity. It typically follows the verb in its negative form (the ず form) and じまい adds a nuance of ‘end up’ or ‘unfortunately didn’t’.

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Example sentences

レポートを仕上げようとしたが、結局提出せずじまいだった。

I tried to finish the report, but in the end I ended up not submitting it.

忙しくて、結局約束を忘れてしまいずじまいだった。

I was busy, and in the end I forgot the appointment.

新しいソフトの使い方を学ぼうと思ったが、結局使わずじまいだった。

I planned to learn how to use the new software, but I never got around to it.

彼は重要な場面で意見を言わずじまいだった。

He ended up not offering his opinion at a crucial moment.

海外旅行の計画を立てたが、手配までには至らずずじまいになった。

I made plans for an overseas trip, but they never materialized.

Related patterns

に至るまで

from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including

たところで

No matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~

如く・如き・如し

like; similar to; as if; the same as

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More N1 patterns

に至るまで

from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including

たところで

No matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~

如く・如き・如し

like; similar to; as if; the same as

to be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient

極まりない・極まる

extreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree

といえども

Even though; Even if; Although; Despite