やむを得(え)ない

やむをえない
expression
unavoidable; inevitable; cannot be helped
formalbusinessexpression
See also: やむを得(え)ず (adverb form)
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.
安全(あんぜん)のためにやむを得(え)ず工事(こうじ)を中止(ちゅうし)した。
For safety reasons, the construction was unavoidably halted.
本人(ほんにん)にやむを得(え)ない事情(じじょう)がある場合(ばあい)は、届(とど)け出(で)を出(だ)せば欠席(けっせき)が認(みと)められる。
If the person has unavoidable circumstances, absences are permitted upon submitting a notification.

Forms

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

Common patterns

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.

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: しかたがない (it can't be helped)
Compare: 避(さ)けられない (unavoidable)
core
Added 2026.1.19 13:13 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
07000/07320_yamuwoenai