End up Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Result Often implies a surprise or unplanned result after a series of events. He tried acting, but ended up becoming a director. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcomes Sometimes suggests an undesirable outcome, especially after taking risks. Ignoring the weather warning, they ended up stranded. Pro Tip 3/3Consequence Used to express a consequence of actions, particularly unplanned ones. Because he overslept, he ended up missing his flight.