ずじまいだEnded without doing
ずじまいだ says that something you intended, expected, or hoped to do remained undone when the relevant opportunity or period ended. It often carries regret, disappointment, apology, or a feeling of unfinished business.
An opportunity closed
The important idea is not merely that someone did not act. There was a plan, hope, expectation, or reasonable opportunity to act, but the relevant visit, deadline, vacation, or other period ended first.
Looking back on what remained undone
These examples state the closing period or opportunity directly.
京都に一週間滞在したが、金閣寺には行かずじまいだった。
I stayed in Kyoto for a week, but never ended up going to Kinkakuji.
Analyze休暇中にその小説を読もうと思っていたが、結局読まずじまいだった。
I had meant to read that novel during my vacation, but in the end I never did.
Analyze退職前に部長へお礼をするつもりだったが、忙しくてせずじまいだった。
I had intended to thank the department head before leaving the company, but I was busy and never did.
AnalyzeWhen the opportunity is still open
このままでは、旅行中に一度も海を見ずじまいになりそうだ。
At this rate, it looks as though the trip will end without us seeing the sea even once.
AnalyzeThe trip has not necessarily ended; the ending explicitly presents this as a projected outcome.
Different kinds of final result
ずじまい identifies an intended action that never happened. あげく instead reports what eventually happened after a difficult process, and that result may be an action that did happen. 末 presents an outcome reached after a long process, while 始末だ condemns a bad culmination and does not specifically mean that an intended action was omitted.
More examples
留学中に富士山を見たかったが、天候に恵まれず、見ずじまいだった。
I wanted to see Mount Fuji while studying abroad, but the weather never cooperated, so I never got to see it.
Analyze何度もメールを書きかけたが、帰国の日まで送らずじまいだった。
I started writing the email several times, but never sent it before the day I returned home.
Analyze買ったワインは記念日に開けるつもりだったが、結局開けずじまいだった。
I intended to open the wine I had bought on our anniversary, but in the end I never did.
Analyze先月中にお返事をすると申し上げたのに、せずじまいで申し訳ありません。
I said that I would reply by the end of last month, but I failed to do so. I sincerely apologize.
Analyze会議では質問するつもりだったが、終了時間になり、結局何も聞かずじまいだった。
I had intended to ask a question at the meeting, but time ran out, and in the end I asked nothing.
Analyzeこのまま忙しい日が続けば、今年も健康診断を受けずじまいになりそうだ。
If I stay this busy, it looks as though this year will also end without me getting a health checkup.
Analyze