Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking talent; incompetent; incapable: Describes a person who has no notable skills, abilities, or aptitude for a particular task or in general. It emphasizes a deficiency in natural or acquired talent.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta bị chê là vô tài. (He is criticized for being incompetent.)
  • Một kẻ vô tài như vậy không thể lãnh đạo được. (Such an incapable person cannot lead.)
  • Đừng trách nó, nó chỉ vô tài chứ không cố ý. (Don't blame him; he is merely untalented, not intentional.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a critical or dismissive context to judge someone's fundamental lack of ability. It can be part of a harsher critique when combined with other flaws, e.g., "vô tài lại vô đức" (both untalented and immoral).

Variants and Related Words

• Bất tài (adj): A more common and direct synonym meaning incompetent, untalented.
  • Ông ấy là một vị tướng bất tài. (He is an incompetent general.)

Synonyms

• Incompetent: Lacking the necessary skill or ability.
• Untalented: Having no natural aptitude or skill.
• Incapable: Unable to do or achieve something.

Related Idioms

• Vô tài vô đức: To be both untalented and lacking in virtue; thoroughly inept and immoral.
  • Kẻ vô tài vô đức đó không xứng đáng được tôn trọng. (That person, who is both incompetent and immoral, does not deserve respect.)