1.
unavoidably; reluctantly; having no choice
Describes doing something because there is no other option, even though one would prefer not to. Emphasizes that the action is taken out of necessity rather than desire.
やむなく中止した。
We had no choice but to cancel.
An adverbial form derived from 止むなし (unavoidable), itself from the verb 止む (to cease, to stop). Conveys that the speaker or subject acts only because circumstances leave no alternative.
Usage
Used in both spoken and written Japanese, though it has a slightly formal or stiff quality. Common in news reports, business communication, and narrative writing. In casual speech, しかたなく or しょうがなく are more natural.
Common collocations
- やむなく中止する — to cancel unavoidably
- やむなく断念する — to reluctantly give up
- やむなく辞退する — to withdraw reluctantly
- やむなく同意する — to agree reluctantly