惰弱

• Reading: だじゃく
• Romaji: dajaku
• Kanji breakdown: 惰 (da) — lazy, inert | 弱 (jaku) — weak, feeble
• Pronunciation: /da.dʑa.kɯ/

Meaning

Weak; indolent; slack; lacking the will or energy to act. Describes a feeble, unmotivated state of mind or character.

A na-adjective and noun with strong negative connotations, implying both physical lassitude and moral weakness. The 惰 character is also seen in 怠惰 (laziness) and 惰性 (inertia), reinforcing the sense of sluggishness. Used to criticise individuals or organisations that have become complacent or spineless, especially in formal and literary writing.

Examples

1. 惰弱な精神では、長丁場の試練を乗り越えることはできない。 A weak spirit cannot endure a long and grueling ordeal.
2. 組織が惰弱に陥ると、外部からの競争に容易に打ち負かされてしまう。 When an organization falls into indolence, it is easily defeated by outside competition.
3. 長年の安定が惰弱さを育み、改革への意欲を組織全体から奪っていった。 Years of stability bred complacency, draining the entire organization of any will to reform.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, literature, organisational analysis, historical writing

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 惰 (da) meaning 'lazy, slack, inert' and 弱 (jaku) meaning 'weak, feeble'. Together they denote a state of both idleness and weakness, emphasising the combined failure of will and vigour.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated