vô năng

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Incapable; Incompetent: Describes a person or entity that completely lacks the ability, skill, or power to perform a required task or function. It emphasizes a total absence of capability.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta là một người lãnh đạo vô năng. (He is an incapable leader.)
  • Bộ máy hành chính vô năng đó cần phải được cải tổ. (That incompetent administrative apparatus needs to be reformed.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "vô năng" is considered formal and carries a strong negative, often harshly critical, connotation. It is frequently used in political, organizational, or analytical contexts to describe profound failure or uselessness.

Variants and Related Words

• Bất tài (adj): Incompetent, untalented. (Often used similarly but may imply a lack of inherent talent rather than total functional inability.)

  • Một viên tướng bất tài. (An incompetent general.)

• Bất lực (adj): Powerless, helpless. (Emphasizes an inability to act or effect change, often in a specific situation, rather than a general trait of incompetence.)

  • Họ cảm thấy bất lực trước thảm họa. (They felt powerless in the face of the disaster.)

Synonyms

• Incapable: Lacking the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform.
• Incompetent: Not having or showing the necessary skills to do something successfully.
• Inept: Having or showing no skill; clumsy.

Related Idioms

• While "vô năng" itself is not commonly part of idiomatic phrases, its meaning is central to critical expressions describing failure.
  • Chỉ tay năm ngón: Literally "pointing five fingers," meaning to be all talk and no action, often implying incompetence.

    • Hắn ta chỉ giỏi chỉ tay năm ngón. (He is only good at giving orders without doing anything [implying incompetence].)