expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
incoherent; rambling; vague; wandering
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.
His talk was rambling and lacked coherence.
Vague, wandering thoughts were going around in my head.
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.
支離滅裂 is a stronger, more formal term for completely incoherent or disjointed speech, often used in criticism.
Kanji form using 留; seen in formal writing but less common than kana.
Kanji form using 止; also acceptable but less frequent.
Variant with 無い; rarely used.
Variant with 止 and 無い; rarely used.
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.