end in
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To finish with a certain result, especially something bad.
Literal meaning: To reach its end inside a particular result — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To have a specified result or outcome, especially something negative or dramatic.
"The argument ended in a heated shouting match that left everyone exhausted."
"It will all end in tears."
— Common English proverbial expression, widely cited; also used in Noel Coward's writings and British popular culture.
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
(Of a word, series, or sequence) to have a particular element as its last part.
"Words that end in '-tion' are usually nouns in English."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Always followed by a noun describing the outcome. Commonly used to describe negative or dramatic endings: 'ended in failure,' 'ended in tears,' 'ended in divorce.' The phrase 'end in tears' is a set expression warning that something will turn out badly.
Commonly used with
disaster failure tears divorce chaos victory
Forms
Base
end in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ends in
he/she/it
Past simple
ended in
yesterday
Past participle
ended in
have + pp
-ing form
ending in
continuous
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