1.
unavoidable; inevitable; cannot be helped
A situation or action that must be accepted because there is no alternative.
事情があってやむを得ず欠席した。
Due to circumstances, I had no choice but to be absent.
やむを得ない事情がある場合は連絡してください。
Please contact us if there are unavoidable circumstances.
この状況では延期もやむを得ない。
Under these circumstances, postponement is unavoidable.
安全のためにやむを得ず工事を中止した。
For safety reasons, the construction was unavoidably halted.
本人にやむを得ない事情がある場合は、届け出を出せば欠席が認められる。
If the person has unavoidable circumstances, absences are permitted upon submitting a notification.
WORD FORMATION:
やむ (to cease, stop) + を (object particle) + 得ない (cannot obtain) → cannot make it stop = unavoidable
FORMS:
- やむを得ない事情 - unavoidable circumstances
- やむを得ず (adverb) - unavoidably, having no choice
- やむを得ない場合 - when unavoidable
GRAMMAR:
This is a set expression. やむ is the classical verb meaning "to cease" and を得ない is the negative potential form of 得る (to obtain).
USAGE:
Common in formal and business contexts as an explanation or justification. Often used in written notices and announcements.
SYNONYMS:
- 仕方がない - can't be helped (more casual)
- 致し方ない - unavoidable (formal)