おぼつかない
おぼつかない
i-adjective
uncertain; unreliable; unsteady
1.
uncertain; doubtful; unreliable
Not certain or dependable; unlikely to succeed or be achieved.
計画の成功はおぼつかない。
The success of the plan is uncertain.
記憶がおぼつかない。
My memory is unreliable.
2.
unsteady; shaky; wobbly
Not firm or stable in movement or posture.
足取りがおぼつかない。
Their steps are unsteady.
FORMS:
- おぼつかない → おぼつかなく (adverbially)
- おぼつかない → おぼつかなくない (negative - rare)
- おぼつかない → おぼつかなかった (past)
KANJI:
Rarely written as 覚束ない.
ETYMOLOGY:
From classical Japanese. The ない is not a negative suffix but part of the word.
USAGE:
Commonly used with:
- 見通しがおぼつかない (prospects are uncertain)
- 記憶がおぼつかない (memory is unreliable)
- 足元がおぼつかない (unsteady on one's feet)
- 発音がおぼつかない (pronunciation is uncertain/poor)
REGISTER:
Slightly formal/literary.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 不確か - uncertain
- 危うい - precarious, risky
- ふらふら - unsteady, wobbly