divorce; dissolution of marriage
A somewhat formal or literary term for divorce, often used in historical or legal contexts. In modern casual speech, 離婚 (りこん) is more common.
unrealized marriage prospects; broken engagement
Refers to a marriage that was arranged or expected but did not come to pass, or an engagement that was called off. Often used in the context of traditional arranged marriages (見合い).
In the Edo period, divorce was carried out relatively easily.
The marriage meeting ultimately ended without a match.
Composed of 不 (ふ, 'not') and 縁 (えん, 'bond' or 'fate'), literally meaning 'no bond' or 'no connection'. The term originally referred to the severing of a marital bond, and by extension, a marriage that never materialized.