ずじまい (zu-jimai): End up not doing
～ずじまい (zu-jimai)
Meaning
End up not doing
Formation and usage
V negative stem + ずじまい; する → せずじまい
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
An intended action remains undone before the opportunity ends, often with regret.
Examples
忙しくて、資料を確認せずじまいだった。
I was busy and ended up never checking the documents.
忙しくて、先生に相談せずじまいだった。
I was busy and ended up never consulting the teacher.
忙しくて、計画を見直さずじまいだった。
I was busy and ended up never reviewing the plan.
忙しくて、会場を下見せずじまいだった。
I was busy and ended up never inspecting the venue beforehand.
忙しくて、十分に練習せずじまいだった。
I was busy and ended up never practicing thoroughly.
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.