1.
whether one likes it or not; willy-nilly; without choice
Describes a situation where something happens regardless of one's wishes or consent. The person affected has no say in the matter.
否応なしに参加させられた。
I was made to participate whether I liked it or not.
時代の流れは否応なしに人を変える。
The flow of the times changes people whether they like it or not.
グローバル化は否応なしに進んでいく。
Globalization advances willy-nilly.
A literary and somewhat formal expression. Composed of 否 (no, unwilling) and 応 (yes, willing), it literally means "without yes or no" — that is, without being given the choice. Most commonly used with に as an adverb: 否応なしに.
VARIANTS:
- 否応なく: same meaning, slightly more common in modern usage
- 否応なしに: the most standard adverbial form
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 否応なしに巻き込まれる: to get dragged in regardless
- 否応なしに変わる: to change whether one likes it or not
- 否応なしに従う: to comply without choice
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 有無を言わさず: without letting someone object — stronger, more forceful
- 強制的に: compulsorily — more formal and administrative
- しょうがなく: reluctantly — focuses on the person's resignation rather than the external force