Meaning
〜あげく(に) describes a situation where someone repeatedly tries something or spends considerable time and effort, only to end up with an unwanted or disappointing result. While it typically indicates negative outcomes, it can also express neutral or even positive results, though negative results are more common. The pattern emphasizes that despite efforts or deliberation, the final outcome was often not what was hoped for.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词(た形) | あげく(に) |
| 名词 の | あげく(に) |
Examples
-
妻と何度も話し合ったあげく、離婚することになった。
After discussing with my wife multiple times, we ended up getting divorced. -
警察が容疑者の家で事件に関わるまがりをさんざん探したあげく、何も見つからなかった。
The police thoroughly searched the suspect's house for clues related to the incident, but in the end found nothing. -
店で長い時間迷ったあげくに、高いほうのかばんを買ってしまった。
After hesitating in the store for a long time, I ended up buying the more expensive bag. -
進路についてあれこれ考えたあげく、卒業後帰国することにした。
After thinking about various options regarding my future path, I ultimately decided to return home after graduation.
Summary
- Formation: verb (past tense) + あげく(に) or noun + の + あげく(に)
- Emphasizes the contrast between effort/time spent and the disappointing final result
- While mainly used for negative outcomes, can describe any result; negative usage is more prevalent