否 応(いやおう)なし

いやおうなし

expression

whether one likes it or not; willy-nilly

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(いやおう)なしに参加(さんか)させられた。

I was made to participate whether I liked it or not.

時代(じだい)の流(なが)れは否応(いやおう)なしに人(ひと)を変(か)える。

The flow of the times changes people whether they like it or not.

グローバル化(か)は否応(いやおう)なしに進(すす)んでいく。

Globalization advances willy-nilly.

A literary and somewhat formal expression. Composed of 否(いや) (no, unwilling) and 応(おう) (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(いやおう)なしに.

Forms

否応(いやおう)なく: same meaning, slightly more common in modern usage
否応(いやおう)なしに: the most standard adverbial form

Common collocations

否応(いやおう)なしに巻(ま)き込(こ)まれる: to get dragged in regardless
否応(いやおう)なしに変(か)わる: to change whether one likes it or not
否応(いやおう)なしに従(したが)う: to comply without choice

Similar words

有無(うむ)を言(い)わさず: without letting someone object — stronger, more forceful
強制的(きょうせいてき)に: compulsorily — more formal and administrative
しょうがなく: reluctantly — focuses on the person's resignation rather than the external force

Related Words

Compare: 強制的(きょうせいてき) (compulsorily)

general

Added 2026.3.29 21:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

20000/20393_iyaounashi