noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
unworthy; not living up to
Expresses that one falls short of a respected predecessor, parent, or teacher. Often used in formal self-deprecation.
私は不肖の弟子で、師の教えに恥じるばかりです。
I am an unworthy disciple, and I can only feel ashamed before my teacher's teachings.
Humble first-person pronoun used by men in very formal or self-deprecating speech, often in letters or speeches.
不肖、私がこのたびの会を担当させていただきます。
I, unworthy as I am, will be in charge of this meeting.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
incompetent; unskilled; foolish
Formal self-referential term for one's own lack of ability or poor judgment. Used humbly about oneself, not to describe others.
不肖の身ではありますが、全力を尽くします。
Though I am an incompetent person, I will do my best.
na-adjective, noun
Archaic meaning; rarely used in modern Japanese outside historical or literary contexts.
古文書には「不肖の身の上」と記されている。
In old documents, it is written as 'an unfortunate personal circumstance'.