余儀なく

• Reading: よぎなく
• Romaji: yoginaku
• Kanji breakdown: 余 (yo/noko) — other, remaining; 儀 (gi) — manner, means, ceremony
• Pronunciation: /jo̞ginakɯ/

Meaning

Unavoidably; inevitably; being compelled to; having no other choice.

An adverb most commonly appearing in the passive construction 余儀なくされる (to be forced to, to be compelled to), indicating that circumstances leave no other option. The adjectival form 余儀ない means unavoidable or inevitable. Formal in register and common in news reporting, press releases, and official statements. Implies compulsion by external circumstances rather than personal will.

Examples

1. 経済危機により、工場は閉鎖を余儀なくされた。 Due to the economic crisis, the factory was forced to shut down.
2. 悪天候で登山を余儀なく中断しなければならなかった。 Bad weather forced them to inevitably suspend the mountain climb.
3. 財政難によって計画の縮小を余儀なくされる状況に追い込まれた。 Financial difficulties drove them into a situation where they were compelled to scale back the plan.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, business, official statements, law

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 余儀 (other means, alternatives) + なく (without). Literally 'without alternatives' — one is left with no option but to proceed in the only available way. Classical Japanese grammatical construction.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal