expression, i-adjective
lacking potential for advancement; no-hoper
Idiomatic expression describing a person who seems unable to rise in life or career, often with a nuance of hopelessness or lack of ambition. The phrase originates from the architectural term うだつ (卯建), a short pillar on a roof that was a status symbol; not having one implied low status.
See also: うだつが上がらない
彼はうだつの上がらないサラリーマンだ。
He is a salaryman with no prospects for advancement.
うだつの上がらない毎日を送っている。
I'm living a life with no hope of getting ahead.