〜に終わる

end in (an unsatisfying result)

Formation: N + に終わる; causative N + に終わらせる ("let something end as N")

Means "to end in" or "turn out as" a result, typically a disappointing one: 失敗に終わる, 未遂に終わる, 空振りに終わる. The noun names the final state of an effort or plan. In editorials, the causative negative 〜に終わらせず／終わらせてはならない is a common way to urge readers to make sure something does not stay empty or fail.

Variants: に終わった、に終わらせる、に終わらせず

Examples

交渉は物別れに終わった。
The negotiations ended without agreement.
今回の改革を一時のブームに終わらせてはならない。
We must not let this reform end up as a passing fad.

In real texts 1 occurrence(s)

遅れる生物多様性保全　地球の危機直視し行動を · 2026年11月5日

だが、「新たに資金を出す意思のある国が自主的に申し出る」という妥協案に終わった。

But it ended in a compromise stating that "countries willing to newly provide funds will come forward voluntarily."

妥協案に終わった means the agenda item "ended up as" a compromise. It attaches to the noun 妥協案, which names the final, disappointing result. The writer uses the same pattern again in the last sentence with the causative and negative form 掛け声に終わらせず ("not letting them end as mere slogans"), which links the failed talks to the closing call for action. Note the difference from 〜で終わる, which is a more neutral "finish with".