Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Without reason / groundless: Describes an action, statement, or feeling that lacks a justifiable cause, motive, or provocation.
   • Unfounded / baseless: Indicates that something is not based on facts or valid reasons.

2. Adverb:

   • For no reason / without cause: Used to modify a verb, describing that an action was performed arbitrarily or without any apparent justification.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Anh ấy tức giận vô cớ. (He was angry for no reason.)
  • Đó là một lời buộc tội vô cớ. (That is a baseless accusation.)

• Adverb:

  • Cô ấy khóc vô cớ. (She cried for no reason.)
  • Đừng trách mắng trẻ con vô cớ. (Don't scold children without cause.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "vô cớ" is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe unfairness or arbitrariness. It carries a negative connotation, implying criticism of the unjustified action or statement.

Variants and Related Words

• Vô lý (adj): irrational, unreasonable.

  • Yêu cầu của họ thật vô lý. (Their request is truly unreasonable.)

• Vô căn cứ (adj): unfounded, without basis (often used for accusations or information).

  • Tin đồn đó hoàn toàn vô căn cứ. (That rumor is completely unfounded.)

Synonyms

• Groundless: Having no foundation or justification.
• Unprovoked: Carried out without any prior cause or aggression.
• Gratuitous: Uncalled for; lacking good reason.

Related Idioms

• While "vô cớ" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, it is conceptually related to the idea of unjust treatment.
• Bắt bẻ vô cớ: To nitpick or find fault without reason.
  • Sếp hay bắt bẻ vô cớ khiến nhân viên căng thẳng. (The boss often nitpicks for no reason, making the staff stressed.)