1.
lack of virtue; immorality; personal failing
A formal term for moral failings or shortcomings in character. Most commonly encountered in the set phrase of apology: "owing to my lack of virtue."
不徳の致すところです。
It is due to my own failings.
This is a set apology phrase.
このたびの件は、すべて私の不徳の致すところです。
This matter is entirely due to my own shortcomings.
社長は記者会見で「不徳の致すところであり、深く反省しております」と述べた。
The company president stated at the press conference, "It is due to my own failings, and I deeply regret it."
USAGE:
不徳 is almost always encountered in the fixed expression 不徳の致すところ, a very formal apology meaning "it is the result of my lack of virtue / personal failings." This phrase is commonly used by politicians, executives, and public figures when taking responsibility for scandals or mistakes.
FIXED PATTERN:
不徳の致すところです — a humble expression accepting full blame. The phrase implies that the speaker's personal moral shortcomings led to the unfortunate outcome.
REGISTER:
This is a very formal, humble expression used in public apologies. It would not be used in casual conversation.