無 能(むのう)

むのう

noun, adjective-na

incompetent, incapable

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.

GRAMMAR:
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

general

Added 2026.2.24 22:29

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