1.
in the end; finally; after all that (with a negative outcome)
An expression used when a series of events or efforts leads to an undesirable, disappointing, or absurd conclusion. Strongly implies frustration or exasperation at the outcome.
散々迷った挙句の果てに、何も買わなかった。
After agonizing over it endlessly, I ended up not buying anything.
喧嘩した挙句の果てに別れた。
After fighting and fighting, they finally broke up.
何時間も話し合った挙句の果てに、結論は出なかった。
After hours and hours of discussion, they couldn't reach a conclusion.
USAGE:
挙句の果て is an intensified form of 挙句 (in the end). The addition of の果て (the very end) makes it even more emphatic, stressing that the negative result came after a long, drawn-out process. It is always used with negative or disappointing outcomes.
GRAMMAR:
Typically follows a verb in past tense or noun + の: 〜した挙句の果てに (after doing ~ to exhaustion). The particle に often follows.
SIMILAR WORDS:
挙句 alone has the same meaning but is slightly less emphatic. 結局 (in the end, after all) is neutral and can precede positive or negative results.