N263/217

よりしかたがない

V辞書形 + しかたがないNoun + の + しかたがないするよりしかたがない

Meanings

  • There is no choice but to…
  • Can't be helped; it's inevitable
  • There is no alternative but to do something

About this pattern

Explanation

よりしかたがない expresses a strong sense of inevitability or inevitability in a situation, meaning there is no alternative but to take a certain action. It is often used when circumstances leave one with no practical option, sometimes with a nuance of resignation or frustration. Note that the more common and natural pattern is V辞書形 + しかたがない (e.g., 行くしかたがない). The よりかたがない form emphasizes that there is no other way than the described course, though in many contexts you will hear or see 行くしかたがない rather than よりしかたがない.

Learn in context

Example sentences

この状況では諦めるよりしかたがない。

In this situation, there is no choice but to give up.

資金が足りないので、計画を変更するよりしかたがない。

We don't have enough funding, so there is no choice but to change the plan.

彼は病気のせいで休むよりしかたがない。

He has to take a rest because of his illness; there is no alternative.