1.
disloyalty; unfaithfulness; infidelity
lack of loyalty or faithfulness, especially toward a lord, superior, or spouse
不忠な家臣は追放された。
The disloyal retainer was banished.
不忠の罪で罰を受けた。
He was punished for the crime of disloyalty.
戦国時代には、主君への不忠は最も重い罪の一つとされていた。
In the Warring States period, disloyalty to one's lord was considered one of the gravest offenses.
Composed of 不 (non-; un-) + 忠 (loyalty; faithfulness). Historically refers to betrayal of feudal loyalty, but can also describe unfaithfulness in other relationships. Most commonly encountered in historical and literary contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不忠な家臣: disloyal retainer
- 不忠の罪: the crime of disloyalty
- 不忠を働く: to commit an act of disloyalty
- 不忠を責める: to blame someone for disloyalty
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 裏切り: betrayal; treachery — more emotionally charged and broader in usage
- 忠義: loyalty; devotion — the positive counterpart to 不忠
- 不貞: infidelity; adultery — specifically refers to marital unfaithfulness