〜にとどまる · 文法 · 本物の日本語

Formation: N / V-dictionary form + にとどまる (にとどまった, にとどまっている)

Means "to remain at" or "go no further than" a certain level or scope. It often implies that the result is smaller or weaker than expected or needed. It is very common in news and editorials for figures (前年比1％の増加にとどまった) and for weak outcomes of negotiations. The negative form 〜にとどまらず means "not limited to X (but extending further)".

Examples

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

欧州などが実施を強く促すよう求めたのに対して、経済成長への影響を嫌う国は反発し、「各国の事情に応じて実施を加速する」との文言にとどまった。

Whereas Europe and others demanded that the text strongly urge implementation, countries wary of the impact on economic growth pushed back, and the result went no further than the wording "accelerate implementation in accordance with each country's circumstances."

〜との文言にとどまった means the outcome "stopped at" this wording and went no further. It attaches to the noun phrase 「…」との文言. The pattern carries an evaluation: something stronger was expected or needed, and the result was only this. That is why the writer chooses it instead of a neutral 〜という文言になった. Compare its negative form 〜にとどまらず ("not limited to"), which has the opposite, expanding meaning.