end up
phrasal verb
ended up; ending up; ends up
: to reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected
The book ended up in the trash.
He didn't want to end up like his father.
She ended up a rich woman.
He ended up (living) in a nursing home.
The movie we wanted to see was sold out so we ended up seeing a different one.
Examples of end up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like a set of dominoes, Liverpool start poorly and end up chasing the game, diminishing the strengths of Gakpo and, particularly, Salah.
—
Liam Tharme, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
Inside, there is a dedicated spot for every piece of jewelry (rings, necklaces, and earrings), so nothing ends up in a hopeless knot at the bottom of a bag.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
On the ensuing drive, Sills dropped what should have been a 44-yard TD catch and the Falcons ended up punting.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Clara ends up moving to the small town and worming her way into everyone’s hearts.
—Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for end up
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Liam Tharme, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
Inside, there is a dedicated spot for every piece of jewelry (rings, necklaces, and earrings), so nothing ends up in a hopeless knot at the bottom of a bag.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
On the ensuing drive, Sills dropped what should have been a 44-yard TD catch and the Falcons ended up punting.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Clara ends up moving to the small town and worming her way into everyone’s hearts.
—Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for end up
Cite this Entry
“End up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20up. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
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