JLPT N1 reference · Advanced stance
極まりない
It marks an extreme degree, especially in formal and strongly negative evaluation.
Core meaning and form
Attach 極まりない to a な-adjective stem or evaluative noun; 極まる also occurs attributively. Despite containing ない, the expression intensifies rather than negates the preceding quality.
- Form: Attach 極まりない to a な-adjective stem or evaluative noun; 極まる also occurs attributively.
- Core use: It marks an extreme degree, especially in formal and strongly negative evaluation.
- Context: Despite containing ない, the expression intensifies rather than negates the preceding quality.
Examples in context
危険極まりない行為だ。Kiken kiwamari nai kōi da.It is an extremely dangerous act.
無責任極まりない発言である。Musekinin kiwamari nai hatsugen de aru.It is an utterly irresponsible statement.
その対応は不誠実極まりなかった。Sono taiō wa fuseijitsu kiwamari nakatta.That response was thoroughly insincere.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach 極まりない to a な-adjective stem or evaluative noun; 極まる also occurs attributively.
- It marks an extreme degree, especially in formal and strongly negative evaluation.
- Despite containing ない, the expression intensifies rather than negates the preceding quality.