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を余儀なくされる

To be forced to do something against one’s will due to external circumstances, to be compelled to, to have no choice but to

N1

Meaning

To be forced to do something against one’s will due to external circumstances, to be compelled to, to have no choice but to

Formation

Verb (dictionary form) + を余儀なくされる
Noun + を余儀なくされる

Explanation

を余儀なくされる is used when someone is forced into an action or decision because of external pressure or unavoidable circumstances, not personal desire.

Key idea:
👉 The person does NOT want to do it, but cannot avoid it.

Important characteristics:

  • The cause is external (accidents, laws, disasters, policies, situations)

  • The action is unwanted

  • The expression is passive, emphasizing lack of control

  • The tone is objective and formal

This grammar is very common in:

  • news reports

  • official announcements

  • business and government documents

  • JLPT N1 reading passages

It often appears when describing:

  • closures

  • cancellations

  • resignations

  • policy changes

  • emergency decisions