noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
compulsory; unavoidable; without choice
Used to describe a situation where one has no say or cannot refuse; often in the phrase 否応なしに (willy-nilly, whether one likes it or not).
I was forced to take on that job whether I liked it or not.
If war breaks out, you'll be dragged in willy-nilly.
Means 'compulsory' or 'forced', but is a na-adjective describing the nature of an action, while 否応なし focuses on the lack of choice.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant with 無し instead of なし.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling.
Compound of 否 (いや, 'no') + 応 (おう, 'yes') + なし ('without'), literally 'without yes or no', meaning without the ability to say yes or no.