Definition
This four-character idiom (成语) means that all the work done so far is completely wasted, typically because of a failure at a critical final stage. It's used when someone's earlier efforts are rendered useless by a later mistake or setback. The literal translation 'all former merit discarded' captures the idea, but the actual usage focuses on the frustration of losing accumulated progress.
f.e.
all previous efforts are wastedall the work done so far comes to nothing
Examples
- ，，前功尽弃。Tā zhǔnbèi le sān gè yuè, dàn yīnwèi shēngbìng cuòguò le kǎoshì, zhēnshi qián gōng jǐn.He prepared for three months, but because he got sick and missed the exam, all his previous work was wasted.
- ，前功尽弃。Xiàngmù jìnxíng dào zuìhòu yí kè, què yīnwèi zījīn wèntí qián gōng jǐn le.The project went right up to the last moment, but because of funding issues, all the earlier work came to nothing.
- ，。Rúguǒ xiànzài fàngqì, zhīqián de nǔlì jiù huì qián gōng jǐn.If we give up now, all the hard work we've put in so far will be wasted.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.