しまつだ (shimatsu-da): End up; to the unfortunate point that
～しまつだ (shimatsu-da)
Meaning
End up; to the unfortunate point that
Formation and usage
V dictionary + 始末だ
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
Introduces the final bad result of a series of actions or problems, often critically.
Examples
準備不足が重なり、ついには会議を中止する始末だった。
Preparations were so inadequate that we ended up canceling the meeting.
準備不足が重なり、ついには試験を中止する始末だった。
Preparations were so inadequate that we ended up canceling the exam.
準備不足が重なり、ついには研修を中止する始末だった。
Preparations were so inadequate that we ended up canceling the training session.
準備不足が重なり、ついには発表会を中止する始末だった。
Preparations were so inadequate that we ended up canceling the presentation event.
準備不足が重なり、ついには面接を中止する始末だった。
Preparations were so inadequate that we ended up canceling the interview.
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.