やむを得(え)ない

やむをえない
expression
unavoidable; inevitable; cannot be helped
1. unavoidable; inevitable; cannot be helped
A situation or action that must be accepted because there is no alternative.
事情(じじょう)があってやむを得(え)ず欠席(けっせき)した。
Due to circumstances, I had no choice but to be absent.
やむを得(え)ない事情(じじょう)がある場合(ばあい)は連絡(れんらく)してください。
Please contact us if there are unavoidable circumstances.
この状況(じょうきょう)では延期(えんき)もやむを得(え)ない。
Under these circumstances, postponement is unavoidable.

WORD FORMATION:
やむ (to cease, stop) + を (object particle) + 得(え)ない (cannot obtain) → cannot make it stop = unavoidable

FORMS:

  • やむを得(え)ない事情(じじょう) - unavoidable circumstances
  • やむを得(え)ず (adverb) - unavoidably, having no choice
  • やむを得(え)ない場合(ばあい) - when unavoidable

GRAMMAR:
This is a set expression. やむ is the classical verb meaning "to cease" and を得(え)ない is the negative potential form of 得(え)る (to obtain).

USAGE:
Common in formal and business contexts as an explanation or justification. Often used in written notices and announcements.

SYNONYMS:

  • 仕方(しかた)がない - can't be helped (more casual)
  • 致(いた)し方(かた)ない - unavoidable (formal)
core
Added 2026.1.19 13:13 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
07000/07320_yamuwoenai