Japanese word

無能

Pronunciation

Romajimunō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveincompetent

Example

私は無能ではありません。watashi wa mu nō de wa a ri ma se n

I am not incompetent.

Illustration for 無能 (incompetent)

More examples

部下を無能だと決めつける前に、必要な支援を考えます。bu ka o mu nō da to ki me tsu ke ru mae ni hitsu yō na shi en o kanga e ma su

Before labeling a subordinate incompetent, I consider what support they need.

Core concept

Describes lacking the ability needed to perform a task or fulfill a role effectively.

Common phrases

  • 無能な上司mu nō na jō shi

    an incompetent boss

  • 無能だと判断するmu nō da to han dan su ru

    judge someone incompetent

Similar words

力不足chikarafusoku: Not having enough ability or experience to meet the demands of a task or role.
不適任futekinin: Not suited to a particular role because of insufficient ability or qualifications.
無力muryoku: Unable to produce a desired result or influence a situation.

Definition in Japanese

必要な能力を欠き、物事をうまく行えないさま。hitsu yō na nō ryoku o ka ki mono goto o u ma ku okona e na i sa ma

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 無 (mu, "without") + 能 (nō, "ability") forms 無能 (munō), literally meaning "without ability".

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 無能 (munō) is a strong personal judgment, so it can sound harsher than a neutral description of poor performance.

Other meanings

  • incapablena-adjective
  • inefficientna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 無能さmunōsaincompetencenoun
  • 無能者munōshaincompetent personnoun

Word lists with this word