to not become successful or important: He's lazy, and he'll never amount to anything.

What does it mean to amount to nothing?

To result in no tangible or appreciable difference. Well, all of our efforts amounted to nothing in the end, really: the bank decided to foreclose on us regardless of the money we raised.

What does it mean when someone amounts to something?

Definition of amount to anything

: to turn out to be (something or someone important, impressive, etc.) I don't think he'll ever amount to anything.