とりとめのない

Meanings

expression, noun-modifying (irregular)

usually written using kana alone

Describes speech, thoughts, or writing that lacks focus or logical connection; often used for aimless talk or scattered ideas. The phrase is a fixed prenominal expression modifying nouns like 話, 考え, or 文章.

彼かれの話はなしはとりとめのない内ない容ようだった。
His talk was rambling and lacked coherence.
とりとめのない考かんがえが頭あたまの中なかを巡めぐっていた。
Vague, wandering thoughts were going around in my head.

See all 12 example sentences ›

Kanji

取take, fetch, take up
留detain, fasten, halt
無nothingness, none, ain't
止stop, halt

Related words

まとまりのない
まとまりのない also means lacking coherence, but emphasizes disorganization or lack of unity, while とりとめのない focuses on aimless, meandering quality.
支し離り滅めつ裂れつ
支離滅裂 is a stronger, more formal term for completely incoherent or disjointed speech, often used in criticism.

Written forms

取とり留とめのない
Kanji form using 留; seen in formal writing but less common than kana.
取とり止とめのない
Kanji form using 止; also acceptable but less frequent.
取とり留とめの無ない
Variant with 無い; rarely used.
取とり止とめの無ない
Variant with 止 and 無い; rarely used.

Etymology

From the verb 取り留める (to hold onto, to keep in order) in its negative form, literally meaning 'without being held together,' hence 'incoherent' or 'rambling.' The kana spelling is now standard.