How to say "good-for-nothing" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

くだらないJLPT N2approx.Common
i-adjectiveMatches 'good-for-nothing' only in the sense of worthless: trivial talk, ideas, or matters not worth bothering with, chiefly about things rather than a person's character. It is the common word among these.
くだらない話はなしはもうたくさんだ。↗
We have had enough of empty words.
不甲斐ないふがいない
i-adjectiveDescribes a spineless, gutless, spiritless person — someone who lacks backbone and drive and so proves a disappointment. It is the less common word for this sense.
ごくつぶし
nounA noun for a person who lives as a parasite or deadbeat, loafing without working while others support them; usually written in kana, and less common.
困り者こまりもの
nounLabels a person who is a nuisance or trouble to those around them — a scapegrace whose behavior leaves others at a loss. It is less common.
生まれ損いうまれそこない
nounA strong term for someone regarded as a failure from birth — a born good-for-nothing; it covers only that sense and is less common.

Use 「くだらない」 for worthless things and talk, 「不甲斐ない」 for a spineless person, 「ごくつぶし」 for a deadbeat sponger, 「困り者」 for a nuisance to others, and 「生まれ損い」 for a failure from birth.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

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