At a glance
～末(に) means "after (a long process of) ..." or "as a result of ...". It is used when a result finally comes after much effort, thought or discussion.
Verb (た-form) + 末に
Noun + の末に
(に can be dropped)
長い議論の末に、計画が決まりました。 After a long discussion, the plan was decided.
How to form it
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | た-form + 末（に） | 考えた末に "after thinking hard" |
| Noun of process or effort | Noun + の末（に） | 努力の末に "after much effort" |
| Before a noun | ～末の + Noun | 悩んだ末の答え "an answer reached after much worry" |
Common nouns before の末: 議論, 努力, 検討, 苦労, 話し合い.
Register: somewhat formal. It is common in writing and the news, and it is also used in conversation about big decisions.