Definition
缺一不可 is a four-character set phrase (成语) meaning 'none can be missing' or 'every one is indispensable'. It emphasizes that all components or people in a group are necessary — if even one is absent, the whole thing fails. You use it in contexts where multiple factors, conditions, or team members are equally essential. The literal reading is 'lack one not acceptable'.
f.e.
none can be left outevery one is indispensable
Examples
- 、，缺一不可。Chénggōng xūyào nǔlì, yùnqì hé jiānchí, sān zhě quē yī bú.Success requires effort, luck, and persistence — none can be missing.
- 缺一不可。Zhège xiàngmù de měi ge huánjié dōu quē yī bú.Every step of this project is indispensable.
- ，缺一不可。Tuánduì hézuò zhōng, měi ge rén de juésè quē yī bú.In teamwork, everyone's role is indispensable.
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