不 始 末(ふしまつ)

ふしまつ

noun

mismanagement; carelessness; blunder

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(ひ)の不始末(ふしまつ)が原因(げんいん)だった。

Careless handling of fire was the cause.

部下(ぶか)の不始末(ふしまつ)の責任(せきにん)を取(と)った。

He took responsibility for his subordinate's misconduct.

自分(じぶん)の不始末(ふしまつ)は自分(じぶん)で片付(かたづ)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(ひ)の不始末(ふしまつ) (careless handling of fire)
不始末(ふしまつ)を起(お)こす (to cause a blunder)
不始末(ふしまつ)の責任(せきにん)を取(と)る (to take responsibility for a blunder)

Forms

不(ふ) (not) + 始末(しまつ) (management, handling). 始末(しまつ) alone means "dealing with" or "disposing of."

general

Added 2026.3.6 18:47 · Revised 2026.9.2 21:55

15000/15324_fushimatsu