朽くち果はてる

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

rot away; crumble to dust; decay completely; fall to ruins; rust away

Describes physical decay of objects, structures, or organic matter until nothing useful remains. Often implies a long process and a final, ruined state.

• 古ふるい木きの橋はしはすっかり朽くち果はてていた。

  The old wooden bridge had completely rotted away.

• 放ほう置ちされた車くるまが錆さびて朽くち果はてている。

  The abandoned car is rusting away.

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

die in obscurity; fade into oblivion

Metaphorical use: a person's talents or life ending without recognition, or something being forgotten. Often used with a sense of waste or regret.

• 彼かれは才さい能のうがありながら、田舎いなかで朽くち果はててしまった。

  Though he had talent, he ended up dying in obscurity in the countryside.