不遇

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 不遇 is read as ふぐう and describes being disadvantaged or denied fitting opportunities, treatment, or recognition despite one's ability or effort.
• Basic usage: Use 不遇な画家 for an unfortunate or underrecognized painter and 不遇の時代 for years spent in disadvantaged circumstances.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference between 不遇 and 不幸
  • The former often concerns a lack of deserved opportunity or recognition, whereas the latter covers misfortune or unhappiness more generally.