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

With three timeouts, which ended up not being used, the Rams had plenty of time to target the middle of the field against prevent defense. —Mike Kaye updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026

Boston ended up leading the major leagues in errors, but the Red Sox did return to the postseason for the first time in four years. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Everything Martha Stewart touches ultimately ends up with great critical acclaim, and this serum will not be an exception. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

There is still some hope Lagway will end up in Waco, though, because of his positive official visit and his ties to the state and the region. —Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for end up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup