This means something is meant to happen. It is like fate. You cannot change it.
Verb [dictionary form] + 運命にあるPrimary
Noun + という + 運命にある
This means something is meant to happen. It is like fate. You cannot change it.
その古い王朝は滅びる運命にあった。
That old dynasty was fated to perish.
我々は、いつか別れる運命にあるのかもしれない。
We might be destined to part ways someday.
結局、二人は結ばれない運命にあったのだ。
In the end, they were fated not to be together.
世界を変える運命にあるその少年は、まだ自分の力に気づいていなかった。
The boy who was destined to change the world had not yet realized his own power.
彼は若くして死ぬ運命にあったが、医学の進歩がそれを変えようとしている。
He was destined to die young, but advances in medicine are trying to change that.
This phrase is for big, important things. It feels like destiny or fate is guiding what happens. It is like a strong, unseen hand is leading the way. You cannot use it for small, everyday events.
This is different from "~koto ni natteiru". That means something is a rule or a plan. For example, a meeting is planned. This is also different from "~zaru o enai". That means you must do something. You have no other choice. But "~unmei ni aru" is about a big, unchangeable destiny.
Don't use this when you talk with friends. It sounds too serious. This phrase is for formal writing or speeches. It describes a fixed situation. It also describes something that will definitely happen. It is not for a single action you must do now.
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