JLPT N1 grammar

〜始末だmeaning and usage

Meaning

Denotes negative results A

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)/verb (nai-form)始末だ
  • この/あの始末だ

How it is used

After a run of bad events, gives the sorry end point: 'and now it has come to A', with blame or exasperation. 「この始末だ」 means 'and look at this mess'. 「挙句」 focuses on the outcome of a long process; 「始末だ」 is mainly a criticism.

Examples

  1. 彼は悪びれるどころか、自分は何もしていないと言い出す始末だ。

    Far from looking ashamed (e.g. as if he did something wrong), he says that he didn't do anything (bad) at all.

  2. うちの猫は甘やかされて、今では人の食事にまで手を出す始末だ。

    Our cat has been spoilt, and now it even goes after our food.

  3. あれほど注意したのに、またこの始末だ。

    After all my warnings, look at this mess again.