1.
by the window; near the window
the area or seat next to a window
窓際の席に座った。
I sat in the seat by the window.
窓際に花を飾っている。
I'm displaying flowers by the window.
猫が窓際で日向ぼっこしている。
The cat is basking in the sun by the window.
2.
sidelined; marginalized (in a company)
being given no meaningful work, as in the expression 窓際族
窓際に追いやられた。
I was sidelined at work.
窓際社員として毎日暇を持て余している。
As a sidelined employee, I have too much time on my hands every day.
彼は窓際部署に異動になった。
He was transferred to a dead-end department.
FORMATION:
窓 (window) + 際 (edge, beside) → beside the window
SECOND MEANING:
The second sense comes from the expression 窓際族 (literally "window-side tribe"), referring to employees who have been given no meaningful work and spend their days sitting by the window with nothing to do. This is a uniquely Japanese corporate phenomenon where companies don't easily fire employees, but instead marginalize them.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 窓際族 (sidelined employees)
- 窓際に追いやられる (to be sidelined)
RELATED WORDS:
- 通路側 (aisle seat - contrast)
- 左遷 (demotion, transfer to a lesser position)