失脚

しっきゃく

losing one's standing, being overthrown, falling

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"失脚" (しっきゃく) refers to losing one's position, status, or power, often in a political or organizational context. It implies a fall from a previously held high or influential position, usually due to scandal, failure, or political shifts.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in news reports, political discussions, and business contexts to describe someone who has been overthrown or removed from power.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 失脚する: to lose one's position or be overthrown
  • 失脚の原因: cause of downfall
  • 失脚を招く: to bring about a downfall

Register and Nuance

"失脚" is a formal and somewhat serious term, often used in written or formal spoken Japanese. It is not typically used for casual or minor failures but for significant losses of status.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "失脚" with simple failure or mistake. Remember, "失脚" specifically involves losing a position of power or status, not just making an error.

Example Sentences

かれはスキャンダルのせいでしっきゃくした。

He lost his position because of the scandal.

せいじかのしっきゃくはせいきょくにおおきなえいきょうをあたえた。

The politician's downfall had a big impact on the political situation.

かいしゃのトップがしっきゃくすると、しゃいんのしきもさがることがおおい。

When the head of a company falls from power, employee morale often drops.