不備

• Reading: ふび
• Romaji: fubi
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — not, un-; 備 (bi) — prepare, equip, furnish
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.bi/

Meaning

Deficiency; inadequacy; lack of preparation. A shortcoming in something that should be complete.

A noun and adjectival noun indicating that something is incomplete or lacking necessary elements: 書類の不備 (deficiencies in documents), 安全対策の不備 (inadequate safety measures). Very common in bureaucratic and business contexts where completeness is required. Distinguished from 欠点 (ketten, flaw) — 不備 focuses on incompleteness rather than inherent defects.

Examples

1. 申請書に不備があったため再提出を求められた。 Because the application had deficiencies, I was asked to resubmit it.
2. 設備の不備が事故につながった。 Inadequate equipment led to the accident.
3. 不備がないか最終確認をお願いします。 Please do a final check to make sure there are no issues.

Usage Guide

Context: bureaucracy, business, reports

Tone: official

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 不 (fu, not) + 備 (bi, prepare/equip). Literally 'not prepared' — lacking the necessary equipment or preparation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal