1.
mismanagement; carelessness; misconduct
An act of carelessness, negligence, or improper handling that causes problems. Often used when someone's irresponsible behavior leads to trouble.
火の不始末が原因だった。
Careless handling of fire was the cause.
部下の不始末の責任を取った。
He took responsibility for his subordinate's misconduct.
自分の不始末は自分で片付けるべきだ。
You should clean up your own messes.
USAGE:
Used in formal and semi-formal contexts to describe carelessness or mishandling that results in problems. Common in news reports and workplace settings.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 火の不始末 (careless handling of fire)
- 不始末を起こす (to cause a blunder)
- 不始末の責任を取る (to take responsibility for a blunder)
WORD FORMATION:
不 (not) + 始末 (management, handling). 始末 alone means "dealing with" or "disposing of."