pre-noun adjectival
endless; boundless; without limit
Classical literary expression used before nouns to mean 'limitless' or 'endless'. In modern Japanese, it appears only in fixed poetic or rhetorical contexts, often replaced by 限りない or 果てしない.
In classical literature, expressions like 'the boundless sea' can be found.
Classical pre-noun adjectival form; the kanji 窮 suggests extremity or limitlessness. Rare in modern Japanese.
Variant spelling using 無 for 'without'. Equally rare.
From classical Japanese 窮み (kiwami, 'extremity, limit') + なき (naki, archaic attributive form of なし 'without'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 窮 reinforces the sense of reaching an extreme or limit.