かいもなく／～がいもなく (kai-mo-naku): Despite the effort; to no avail
～かいもなく／～がいもなく (kai-mo-naku)
Meaning
Despite the effort; to no avail
Formation and usage
Vた／Nの + かいもなく
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
The outcome fails to reward the effort invested; がい often occurs in compounds such as 働きがい.
Examples
長い研究のかいもなく、目標には届かなかった。
Despite a long period of research, I did not reach my goal.
長い練習のかいもなく、目標には届かなかった。
Despite a long period of practice, I did not reach my goal.
長い勉強のかいもなく、目標には届かなかった。
Despite a long period of study, I did not reach my goal.
長い準備のかいもなく、目標には届かなかった。
Despite a long period of preparation, I did not reach my goal.
長い仕事のかいもなく、目標には届かなかった。
Despite a long period of work, I did not reach my goal.
How related patterns differ
あげく usually leads to a bad result, while 末 can lead to a good one. かいもなく stresses unrewarded effort; 始末だ evaluates an unfortunate ending. 羽目になる is an unwelcome obligation, whereas ずじまい leaves an intention unfulfilled.