失脚

• Reading: しっきゃく
• Romaji: shikkyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu) — lose; 脚 (kyaku) — leg, footing
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.k.kja.kɯ/

Meaning

Losing one's position; downfall; fall from power. Describes the sudden or forced removal of a political figure from a position of influence.

A noun that also functions as a suru-verb (失脚する), 失脚 conveys the dramatic loss of political standing, often due to scandal, power struggles, or policy failures. The imagery is of losing one's footing. It applies to politicians, executives, and military figures alike.

Examples

1. 汚職スキャンダルが発覚し、大臣は失脚を余儀なくされた。 When a corruption scandal came to light, the minister was forced to fall from power.
2. 権力闘争に敗れた派閥のリーダーが失脚した。 The faction leader who lost the power struggle fell from his position.
3. 失脚後も彼は影響力を保ち、党内での存在感を失わなかった。 Even after his fall from power, he retained his influence and did not lose his presence within the party.

Usage Guide

Context: political news, corporate governance, historical accounts

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 失 (shitsu) meaning 'to lose' and 脚 (kyaku) meaning 'leg/footing.' The metaphor of losing one's footing conveys the sudden collapse of one's standing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal