失格(しっかく)

しっかく
noun, suru verb
disqualification, being unfit
1. disqualification, being disqualified
The state of being removed from a competition, examination, or position due to a rule violation or failure to meet requirements.
ドーピングで失格(しっかく)になった。
He was disqualified for doping.
フライングをしたため、選手(せんしゅ)は失格(しっかく)となった。
The athlete was disqualified for a false start.
規定(きてい)体重(たいじゅう)を超(こ)えたため失格(しっかく)となり、試合(しあい)に出場(しゅつじょう)できなかった。
He was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit and could not compete in the match.
2. being unfit, being unworthy of a role
Used figuratively to say someone is not worthy of or suited for a particular role or title. Often used self-deprecatingly or as criticism.
親(おや)失格(しっかく)だと感(かん)じた。
I felt like I was unfit to be a parent.
約束(やくそく)を守(まも)れないなんて、社会人(しゃかいじん)失格(しっかく)だ。
Not being able to keep promises — that's unfit for a working adult.
部下(ぶか)の話(はなし)を聞(き)かない上司(じょうし)は、リーダー失格(しっかく)だと思(おも)う。
I think a boss who doesn't listen to their subordinates is unfit to be a leader.

失格(しっかく) combines 失(しつ) (to lose) and 格(かく) (status/qualification).

SENSE 1 — DISQUALIFICATION:
Used in sports, competitions, and examinations.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 失格(しっかく)になる: to be disqualified
  • 失格(しっかく)となる: to be disqualified (more formal)
  • 失格(しっかく)処分(しょぶん): disqualification penalty

SENSE 2 — BEING UNFIT:
Used as [role]失格(しっかく) to mean "unfit as [role]."

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 親(おや)失格(しっかく): unfit as a parent
  • 人間(にんげん)失格(しっかく): unfit as a human being (also a famous novel by Dazai Osamu)
  • 社会人(しゃかいじん)失格(しっかく): unfit as a member of society

CULTURAL NOTE:
人間(にんげん)失格(しっかく) ("No Longer Human") is one of Japan's most famous novels, written by 太宰治(だざいおさむ) in 1948.

general
Added 2026.2.20 19:27
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