無能(むのう)

むのう
noun, na-adjective
incompetent, incapable
personality
1. incompetent, incapable, useless
Lacking ability, talent, or competence. A harsh word used to describe someone who cannot perform their duties or role effectively. Carries strong negative connotation.
無能(むのう)な上司(じょうし)に困(こま)っている。
I'm troubled by an incompetent boss.
自分(じぶん)の無能(むのう)さを痛感(つうかん)した。
I keenly felt my own incompetence.
無能(むのう)な指導者(しどうしゃ)のせいで国(くに)が混乱(こんらん)に陥(おちい)った。
The country fell into chaos because of an incompetent leader.

Common patterns

Functions as a な-adjective: 無能(むのう)な人(ひと) (an incompetent person). Also used as a noun: 無能(むのう)さ (incompetence), 無能(むのう)を嘆(なげ)く (to lament one's incompetence).

Usage

A strong, directly critical word. Using it about someone else is quite harsh, though it appears frequently in fiction and political criticism. When used about oneself, it expresses deep self-reproach. Combines 無(む) (without) and 能(のう) (ability).

Common collocations

  • 無能(むのう)な上司(じょうし): incompetent boss
  • 無能(むのう)な政治家(せいじか): incompetent politician
  • 無能(むのう)さ: incompetence
  • 無能(むのう)呼(よ)ばわり: being called incompetent

Related Words

Antonym: 有能(ゆうのう) (capable, competent)
Compare: 役立(やくだ)たず (good-for-nothing)
Compare: 無策(むさく) (lack of a plan)
general
Added 2026.2.24 22:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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