noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
incompetent person; worthless person; dimwit
A blunt, derogatory term for someone with no ability or talent. Often used as an insult or in self-deprecation. Can also function adjectivally with の.
He is called a worthless person behind his back.
こんな簡単なこともできないなんて、自分が能無しに思える。
I feel like a total incompetent when I can't even do something this simple.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant spelling with okurigana なし instead of 無し.
Compound of 能 (ability, talent) + 無し (without). The reading のう is the on'yomi of 能, and なし is the classical terminal form of 無い.