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
Central Catholic ended up tying Newton North for a runner-up finish with an individual win in the long jump by Avery Strickler.
—
Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Portland’s Damian Lillard joined Bird and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only three-time winners with a stunning exhibition in the final round, ending up with a score of 29 — two better than runner-up and 2018 champion Devin Booker of Phoenix.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
But the Teddy Awards ceremony and after party ended up becoming some Berlinale attendees’ favorite night of the fest calendar.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Last year’s buzzy title, Sean Baker’s Anora, won a trio of Spirit Awards — Best Feature, Best Director and Best Actress for Mikey Madison — all categories in which the pic would end up repeat winning at the Oscars.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026
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Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Portland’s Damian Lillard joined Bird and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only three-time winners with a stunning exhibition in the final round, ending up with a score of 29 — two better than runner-up and 2018 champion Devin Booker of Phoenix.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
But the Teddy Awards ceremony and after party ended up becoming some Berlinale attendees’ favorite night of the fest calendar.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Last year’s buzzy title, Sean Baker’s Anora, won a trio of Spirit Awards — Best Feature, Best Director and Best Actress for Mikey Madison — all categories in which the pic would end up repeat winning at the Oscars.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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