役やく不ぶ足そく

na-adjective, noun

dissatisfied with one's assigned role; feeling the role is beneath one

Expresses that the speaker considers the given task or position too insignificant for their abilities. Often used in formal or workplace contexts. Note: This is the original, correct meaning; colloquial misuse as 'not up to the task' is common but considered incorrect.

• 彼かれはその仕し事ごとは役やく不ぶ足そくだと感かんじて、引ひき受うけなかった。

  He felt the job was beneath him and didn't accept it.

• こんな簡かん単たんな作さ業ぎょうは私わたしには役やく不ぶ足そくです。

  Such a simple task is not worthy of my abilities.

na-adjective, noun

not up to the task; out of one's depth

Colloquial misuse of 役不足 to mean 'lacking ability for the role'. The correct term for this meaning is 力不足 (ちからぶそく). Despite being widespread, it is often flagged as an error in formal writing.

See also: 力不足 (ちからぶそく)

• 彼かれは役やく不ぶ足そくで、プロジェクトを任まかせられない。

  He's not up to the task, so we can't entrust the project to him.

• 自じ分ぶんには役やく不ぶ足そくかもしれないが、頑がん張ばります。

  I might be out of my depth, but I'll do my best.