noun, noun, used as a suffix
Formal or literary term for death, often used in compounds or official contexts. The variant kanji 歿 is rare and specific to this meaning.
彼の没後、多くの追悼文が発表された。
After his death, many tributes were published.
この作家は没してから評価が高まった。
This writer's reputation grew after his passing.
noun
Only when written 没
Abbreviation of 没書 (rejected manuscript) or related terms. Used in publishing and editorial contexts to mean a submission has been turned down. Often written in katakana as ボツ in informal settings.
企画書が没になってしまった。
The proposal was rejected.
prefix
Only when written 没
Prefix used in compounds to indicate absence or lack of something. Common in words like 没個性 (lack of individuality) or 没交渉 (having no connection). Not used as a standalone word.
彼の作品は没個性的だと言われる。
His work is said to lack individuality.
その問題には没交渉だ。
I have nothing to do with that matter.
The editorial department informed me of the manuscript's rejection.
The kanji 没 originally means 'to sink' or 'to disappear', which extended to 'death' and 'lack'. The rejection sense is a modern abbreviation from compounds like 没書 (rejected manuscript).