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B2 adjective 11 min read

盛气凌人

shèng qì líng rén
Examples
Explanation 盛气凌人 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '盛气凌人' yourself, but you might hear it in very basic stories about 'bad people.' Think of it as a very fancy way to say 'bossy' or 'not nice.' In A1, we focus on the basic characters. '人' (rén) means person. '气' (qì) is like 'air' or 'energy.' When someone has 'too much bad energy' and uses it to be mean to other people, that's what this word is about. If you see a bossy character in a cartoon, you can point and say 'He is not kind.' Later, you will learn to say 'He is 盛气凌人.' For now, just remember it describes someone who acts like they are the king and everyone else is a servant. It is always a bad thing to say about someone. If you are learning Chinese, you want to be 'humble' (谦虚), which is the opposite of this word. This word has four characters, which is a 'chengyu'—a special Chinese idiom. Even beginners can start to recognize these four-character patterns as they often appear in titles or descriptions of villains. Imagine a person standing with their hands on their hips, looking down at you—that is the 'spirit' of this word. It's about how someone stands and talks to others in a mean way.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about personality traits. You already know words like '高兴' (happy) or '生气' (angry). '盛气凌人' is a step up from '生气.' While '生气' means you are mad, '盛气凌人' describes a person who is always acting better than others. In school or at a basic job, you might meet someone who is very bossy. You can use this word to describe them to your friends. For example, 'My boss is 盛气凌人.' It's a useful word for describing characters in the simple stories you read. You should notice that it ends with '人,' which tells you it's about a person's behavior. The word '气' here isn't just 'anger'; it's the 'aura' or 'vibe' a person gives off. A person who is 盛气凌人 gives off a 'vibe' that they want to bully you. When you practice your Chinese, try to spot this word in subtitles of TV shows. It usually appears when a character is being very rude or arrogant. Remember, it's a negative word. You wouldn't use it for your friends unless they are being really mean. It's more formal than just saying 'he is mean,' so using it makes you sound like a more advanced student. Try to remember the four characters together as one unit of meaning.
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At the B1 level, you should begin to understand the specific 'flavor' of 盛气凌人 compared to other words. You might know '傲慢' (arrogant) by now. 盛气凌人 is more active. It's not just thinking you're great; it's *acting* like it in a way that hurts others. In B1, you can start using it in your writing assignments to describe characters in movies or books. For instance, if you're writing about a villain, you could say '他是一个盛气凌人的人' (He is an overbearing person). You can also use it with '的' to describe an attitude: '盛气凌人的态度' (an overbearing attitude). This level is about moving from simple adjectives to these 'chengyu' (idioms) to make your Chinese sound more authentic. You'll hear this in office environments—perhaps a senior colleague is being too hard on a junior one. It's also common in historical dramas. When you hear it, pay attention to the body language of the actor. They usually have their chin up and look down at others. This 'visual' will help you remember the meaning. It’s also important to note that this word is often used with '总是' (always) or '从不' (never), as in '他总是盛气凌人' (He is always overbearing). This shows it's a consistent personality trait. Start trying to use it in your speaking practice when discussing social issues or difficult people.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 盛气凌人 accurately in both speech and writing. You should understand its grammatical roles: as a predicate (他很盛气凌人), an attributive (盛气凌人的样子), and an adverbial (盛气凌人地说话). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish it from similar idioms like '咄咄逼人' (aggressive/pressing) and '目中无人' (supercilious). While '咄咄逼人' might describe someone who is very forceful in a debate, 盛气凌人 describes a more general, status-based arrogance. B2 students should use this word to add 'color' to their descriptions. Instead of just saying someone is 'unfriendly,' 盛气凌人 provides a specific reason *why* they are unfriendly—because they are using their perceived superiority to diminish others. You will encounter this word in news articles, especially those discussing international relations or corporate scandals. For example, a powerful company might be criticized for its 盛气凌人 approach to smaller competitors. In your own writing, use it to create contrast. A character might be '盛气凌人' at the start of a story but '谦虚' (humble) by the end after a major failure. This kind of nuanced character development is a hallmark of B2-level proficiency. You should also be comfortable with the tones: shèng (4th), qì (4th), líng (2nd), rén (2nd). The two falling tones at the beginning give the word a strong, forceful sound that matches its meaning.
At the C1 level, you should have a deep appreciation for the rhetorical weight of 盛气凌人. It’s not just a description; it’s a judgment. In high-level debates or essays, using this idiom can effectively delegitimize an opponent's position by framing it as a product of arrogance rather than logic. You should explore its usage in classical and modern literature. The term '盛气' (overflowing spirit) has roots in ancient Chinese philosophy regarding 'Qi,' and its evolution into a negative idiom for arrogance is a fascinating study in linguistic change. At C1, you can use it to analyze complex social structures—for instance, how certain institutional cultures encourage a 盛气凌人 attitude among management. You should also be able to use it in sophisticated 'if-then' constructions: '即便处于优势地位，也不应盛气凌人' (Even when in a dominant position, one should not be overbearing). This shows a mastery of both the vocabulary and the cultural values of humility and 'saving face' that are central to Chinese discourse. You might also encounter it in historical texts or more formal political speeches where it is used to characterize 'hegemonism' (霸权主义). Your goal at this level is to use the word with perfect 'collocation'—knowing exactly which nouns it fits best with (e.g., 姿态 zītài, 势头 shìtóu, 语气 yǔqì) to convey the precise shade of meaning intended. You should also be able to recognize when it is being used ironically or sarcastically in modern internet slang or social commentary.
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At the C2 level, you should be able to treat 盛气凌人 as a tool for precise characterization and social critique. You should understand its nuances in various registers—from the visceral insults of a drama to the calculated critiques of a political editorial. A C2 learner can discuss the idiom's relationship to the Confucian concept of 'Junzi' (the gentleman), who is the antithesis of a 盛气凌人 person. You might analyze how the idiom is used in the works of 20th-century writers like Lu Xun to critique the traditional Chinese social hierarchy. Your usage should be flawless, including the ability to weave it into complex, multi-clause sentences that reflect a high level of literary sophistication. For example: '其人虽负才华，却因盛气凌人、不恤下情，终致众叛亲离之局' (Although he was talented, his overbearing nature and lack of empathy for his subordinates ultimately led to his total isolation). This demonstrates an ability to use the idiom within a broader context of cause-and-effect and moral judgment. You should also be aware of the subtle differences between 盛气凌人 and other high-level synonyms like '不可一世' (bù kě yī shì - considering oneself the greatest in the world) or '恃才傲物' (shì cái ào wù - to be arrogant due to one's talent). At this level, you are not just learning a word; you are mastering a piece of the Chinese cultural and moral landscape, using it to navigate and describe the complexities of human nature and power dynamics with the precision of a native speaker.
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Examples

The idiom 盛气凌人 (shèng qì líng rén) is a powerful four-character Chinese chengyu used to describe someone who is overbearing, arrogant, or domineering. It paints a vivid picture of a person whose 'Qi' (spirit or aura) is so overflowing and aggressive that it physically or psychologically 'oppresses' or 'insults' others. When you encounter someone who acts as if they are superior to everyone else, dismissing others' opinions with a flick of the wrist or a condescending tone, this is the perfect phrase to describe them.

Etymological Breakdown
The first character 盛 (shèng) means flourishing, abundant, or grand. The second, 气 (qì), refers to one's spirit, breath, or manner. Together, 'Shèngqì' implies an overwhelming aura. The third character 凌 (líng) means to insult, maltreat, or tread upon. Finally, 人 (rén) means people. Combined, it literally means 'abundant spirit insulting others.'

In modern Chinese, this term is almost exclusively negative. It is not used to describe a strong, confident leader whom people admire; rather, it describes a bully or a tyrant whose power is used to diminish others. You will hear it in workplace settings to describe a toxic boss, in social circles to describe a 'mean girl' or 'arrogant guy' archetype, and in political discourse to criticize nations or leaders who behave hegemonically.

那个经理总是盛气凌人，从不听取员工的建议。(That manager is always overbearing and never listens to employees' suggestions.)

The nuance of 盛气凌人 lies in the *display* of arrogance. It’s not just that the person thinks they are better (which might be 傲慢 àomàn), but that they are actively using their presence or status to make others feel small. It is a very externalized form of pride. In literature, characters described this way are often the antagonists who eventually face a downfall because their arrogance blinds them to their own weaknesses.

Social Context
In Chinese culture, which values humility (谦虚 qiānxū) and harmony (和谐 héxié), being described as 盛气凌人 is a severe criticism. It suggests a lack of self-cultivation and emotional intelligence.

他那种盛气凌人的样子真让人受不了。(His domineering manner is truly unbearable.)

Understanding this word helps you navigate complex social hierarchies in China. If you are in a position of power, you want to avoid this label at all costs. Conversely, if you are describing a difficult situation with a superior, using this word accurately conveys the psychological weight of their behavior. It is a high-frequency B2-level word that bridges the gap between basic descriptions of 'mean' and sophisticated character analysis.

Grammar Note
It can function as a predicate (He is...), an attributive (An overbearing person...), or an adverbial when followed by '地' (He spoke overbearingly...).

Mastering the usage of 盛气凌人 involves understanding its grammatical versatility. While it is primarily an adjective, its placement in a sentence determines the specific nuance of the description. Because it is a four-character idiom, it carries a weight of formality that simple adjectives like '坏' (huài - bad) or '凶' (xiōng - fierce) do not possess.

As a Predicate (Subject + [Adverb] + 盛气凌人)
This is the most common usage. You are stating that a person *is* overbearing. Usually, degree adverbs like '非常' (fēicháng - very), '总是' (zǒngshì - always), or '太' (tài - too) are used. For example: '他这人非常盛气凌人' (He is a very overbearing person).

赢了几场比赛后，他变得有些盛气凌人。(After winning a few games, he became somewhat arrogant.)

When using it as a predicate, it often describes a temporary state or a permanent personality trait. In the example above, '变得' (biànde - become) suggests a change in behavior due to success, which is a common context for this idiom.

As an Attributive (盛气凌人 + 的 + Noun)
Here, the idiom modifies a noun, usually '样子' (yàngzi - appearance/manner), '态度' (tàidù - attitude), or '口吻' (kǒuwěn - tone of voice). Example: '我不喜欢他那种盛气凌人的态度' (I don't like his overbearing attitude).

她用一种盛气凌人的语气命令我。(She commanded me with an overbearing tone.)

This usage is particularly effective in descriptive writing. It allows the speaker to pinpoint exactly *how* the person is being arrogant—whether it's through their words, their look, or their general vibe.

As an Adverbial (盛气凌人 + 地 + Verb)
By adding '地' (de), the idiom describes the manner in which an action is performed. Common verbs include '说' (shuō - say), '走' (zǒu - walk/enter), or '看' (kàn - look). Example: '他盛气凌人地走进办公室' (He walked into the office overbearingly).

那个富家子弟总是盛气凌人地对待服务员。(That wealthy scion always treats waiters in an overbearing manner.)

Finally, it is worth noting that 盛气凌人 is often contrasted with 礼贤下士 (lǐ xián xià shì - to be courteous to the wise and humble to scholars). Using these together in a sentence can highlight a character's growth or the difference between two leaders. For instance: '一个真正的领导者应该礼贤下士，而不是盛气凌人' (A true leader should be humble to the wise, not overbearing).

这种盛气凌人的做法只会失去民心。(Such overbearing practices will only lose the people's support.)

While 盛气凌人 is an idiom, it is not confined to dusty old books. It is a 'living idiom' that appears frequently in modern Chinese media and daily conversation. Understanding the contexts where it thrives will help you use it more naturally.

Workplace and Professional Life
In modern office dramas (职场剧), this is a go-to word for describing the 'Devil Wears Prada' type of character. It’s used during water-cooler gossip or in formal complaints to HR. If a colleague is being too demanding without justification, you might say they are '太盛气凌人了'.

新来的主管盛气凌人，让整个团队压力很大。(The new supervisor is so overbearing that the whole team is under great pressure.)

In business negotiations, this word might appear in news reports or post-meeting debriefs. If one party tries to bully the other into a bad deal using their market dominance, the media might describe their stance as 盛气凌人.

Historical and Palace Dramas (古装剧)
This is where the word finds its most dramatic home. Characters in positions of high power—like an arrogant empress or a tyrannical general—are frequently described with this idiom. The 'Qi' (盛气) in these contexts is often literal, referring to the regal or intimidating presence they project.

皇后在妃子面前总是表现得盛气凌人。(The Empress always acts overbearing in front of the concubines.)

International Relations and News
Chinese diplomatic rhetoric often employs chengyu to express disapproval. If a country is seen as interfering in others' affairs or acting as a global bully, the spokesperson might use '盛气凌人' to describe that country's foreign policy or attitude toward international law.

我们反对任何国家在国际事务中盛气凌人。(We oppose any country being overbearing in international affairs.)

Lastly, you'll find it in literary criticism and movie reviews. Critics use it to describe a character's arc—perhaps how a character starts as 盛气凌人 but is humbled by life's hardships. It’s a standard way to characterize 'villains' or 'flawed protagonists' in Chinese media analysis.

Daily Life Conflicts
If someone cuts you in line or shouts at a service worker, a bystander might whisper to their friend: '那个人怎么这么盛气凌人啊？' (Why is that person so overbearing?). It captures the visceral feeling of someone exerting unearned authority.

他那种盛气凌人的性格让他失去了很多朋友。(His overbearing personality caused him to lose many friends.)

Using 盛气凌人 correctly requires a fine sense of tone and context. Because it involves the concept of 'Qi' (spirit), learners often confuse it with other terms that sound similar but mean very different things.

Mistake 1: Confusing it with 'Powerful' or 'Confident'
Many learners think 盛 (abundant) + 气 (spirit) sounds like a positive thing, like 'full of energy' or 'highly spirited.' This is a mistake. In this specific idiom, the 'spirit' is aggressive and harmful. You should never use it to compliment a strong leader. If you want to say someone has a powerful presence, use '气场强大' (qìchǎng qiángdà).

❌ 他的演讲非常盛气凌人，大家都深受鼓舞。(His speech was very overbearing, everyone was deeply inspired.)
✅ 他的演讲非常有感染力。(His speech was very infectious/inspiring.)

Mistake 1 is common because in English, 'commanding' can be a compliment. In Chinese, 盛气凌人 is almost never a compliment.

Mistake 2: Using it for Inanimate Objects
The character '人' (rén) at the end explicitly refers to people. You cannot use this idiom to describe a 'domineering building' or an 'overbearing mountain.' It describes human behavior, attitudes, or institutional actions that mimic human arrogance. While you can describe a company or a country as 盛气凌人, you cannot describe a storm or a car that way.
Mistake 3: Confusing with 咄咄逼人 (duō duō bī rén)
These two are very similar, but 咄咄逼人 focuses more on the *aggressive nature of one's speech or immediate pressure*, whereas 盛气凌人 focuses on the *overall arrogant attitude and presence*. If someone is asking you sharp questions in an interview, they are 咄咄逼人. If they are just sitting there looking down their nose at you, they are 盛气凌人.

❌ 他在辩论中盛气凌人，让对手无法反驳。(He was overbearing in the debate, making it impossible for the opponent to refute.)
✅ 他在辩论中咄咄逼人。(He was aggressive/pressing in the debate.)

Mistake 4 involves the degree of formality. Using 盛气凌人 in a very casual text to a friend about a small disagreement might sound 'too dramatic' or 'too bookish.' For small things, words like '凶' (xiōng) or '霸道' (bàdào) are more common.

Mistake 5: Incorrect Character Writing
Be careful not to write '乘' (chéng - to ride) instead of '盛' (shèng). While '乘气' might sound like 'riding the air,' it is not a word. Also, ensure '凌' (líng) is written with the 'ice' radical on the left (冫), not the 'water' radical (氵).

即使你很有钱，也不应该对人盛气凌人。(Even if you are very rich, you should not be overbearing toward others.)

To truly understand 盛气凌人, it helps to see it in the context of its synonyms and antonyms. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for describing human flaws, and choosing the right one depends on the 'flavor' of the arrogance you want to describe.

Comparison: 盛气凌人 vs. 傲慢 (Àomàn)
傲慢 is a general term for 'arrogant.' It is an internal state of mind. 盛气凌人 is the *expression* of that arrogance. You can be '傲慢' while sitting quietly in a corner, but you are only '盛气凌人' when you are actively imposing your superiority on others.

虽然他很傲慢，但他平时并不盛气凌人。(Although he is arrogant, he is not usually overbearing.)

Another close relative is 目中无人 (mù zhōng wú rén), which literally means 'having no one in one's eyes.' This implies that the person is so proud they don't even notice or care about others. While 盛气凌人 is 'attacking' others with their spirit, 目中无人 is 'ignoring' others because they think they are beneath notice.

Comparison: 盛气凌人 vs. 咄咄逼人 (Duōduō bīrén)
As mentioned before, 咄咄逼人 is about aggressive momentum, often in speech. If a lawyer is grilling a witness, they are being 咄咄逼人. If the judge is acting like they are a god and everyone else is trash, the judge is 盛气凌人.
Informal Alternatives
In casual speech, you might use 霸道 (bàdào) which means 'domineering' or 'bossy.' It is less formal and can sometimes (rarely, in romance novels) be used in a slightly less negative way (e.g., '霸道总裁' - the overbearing CEO trope).

你说话太霸道了，稍微客气一点。(You are speaking too bossily, be a bit more polite.)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the antonyms of 盛气凌人 are words like 平易近人 (píng yì jìn rén), which means 'approachable' and 'easy-going,' and 谦虚 (qiānxū), meaning 'humble.' A good leader is described as 平易近人, while a bad one is 盛气凌人.

Comparison Table
- 盛气凌人: Overbearing/Arrogant (Action-oriented, spirit-based)
- 傲慢: Arrogant (Mindset-oriented)
- 目中无人: Supercilious (Ignoring others)
- 咄咄逼人: Aggressive (Speech/Momentum-oriented)
- 平易近人: Approachable (The direct opposite)

他虽然身居高位，却十分平易近人，一点也不盛气凌人。(Although he holds a high position, he is very approachable and not at all overbearing.)

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Examples by Level

1

他不友好，很盛气凌人。

He is not friendly, very overbearing.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

2

那个坏人盛气凌人。

That bad person is overbearing.

Using '坏人' (bad person) to establish context.

3

老板盛气凌人地说话。

The boss speaks overbearingly.

Using '地' to form an adverb.

4

我不喜欢盛气凌人的人。

I don't like overbearing people.

Using '的' to modify '人'.

5

他太盛气凌人了。

He is too overbearing.

Using '太...了' for emphasis.

6

老师不应该盛气凌人。

Teachers should not be overbearing.

Using '不应该' (should not).

7

你为什么盛气凌人？

Why are you being overbearing?

A simple question using '为什么'.

8

他看起来很盛气凌人。

He looks very overbearing.

Using '看起来' (looks like).

1

新来的同学有点盛气凌人。

The new classmate is a bit overbearing.

Using '有点' (a bit) to soften the description.

2

他总是用盛气凌人的态度看人。

He always looks at people with an overbearing attitude.

Using '用...的态度' (with a ... attitude).

3

虽然他有钱，但不应该盛气凌人。

Although he is rich, he shouldn't be overbearing.

Using '虽然...但是' (although... but).

4

他的样子真盛气凌人。

His manner is truly overbearing.

Using '的样子' to describe appearance/manner.

5

别对他那么盛气凌人。

Don't be so overbearing to him.

Using '别' (don't) for a command.

6

因为他盛气凌人，所以没有朋友。

Because he is overbearing, he has no friends.

Using '因为...所以' (because... so).

7

如果你盛气凌人，大家会不喜欢你。

If you are overbearing, everyone will dislike you.

Using '如果...就' (if... then).

8

他说话的口气很盛气凌人。

His tone of voice is very overbearing.

Using '口气' (tone of voice).

1

在面试中，他表现得非常盛气凌人。

In the interview, he acted very overbearingly.

Using '表现得' (acts/behaves).

2

我们不应该对弱小的人盛气凌人。

We should not be overbearing toward the weak.

Using '对...盛气凌人' (overbearing toward someone).

3

这种盛气凌人的做法会引起不满。

This overbearing way of doing things will cause dissatisfaction.

Using '做法' (way of doing things).

4

他那种盛气凌人的性格很难改变。

That overbearing personality of his is hard to change.

Using '性格' (personality).

5

他盛气凌人地拒绝了我的请求。

He overbearingly rejected my request.

Adverbial usage with '拒绝' (reject).

6

那个经理总是盛气凌人，让员工很害怕。

That manager is always overbearing, making the employees scared.

Using '让' (make/cause).

7

他以为自己很了不起，所以才盛气凌人。

He thinks he is great, so that's why he's overbearing.

Using '以为' (mistakenly think).

8

我不喜欢和盛气凌人的人一起工作。

I don't like working with overbearing people.

Using '和...一起' (together with).

1

他那盛气凌人的气势压倒了在场的所有人。

His overbearing aura overwhelmed everyone present.

Using '气势' (aura/momentum) and '压倒' (overwhelm).

2

虽然他很有才华，但盛气凌人的缺点让他四处碰壁。

Although he is talented, his overbearing flaw causes him to run into walls everywhere.

Using the metaphor '四处碰壁' (encountering obstacles).

3

他说话时总是带着一种盛气凌人的优越感。

He always speaks with an overbearing sense of superiority.

Using '优越感' (sense of superiority).

4

面对批评，他不仅不接受，反而更加盛气凌人。

Facing criticism, he not only didn't accept it, but became even more overbearing.

Using '不仅不...反而' (not only not... but on the contrary).

5

这种盛气凌人的态度在外交场合是非常失礼的。

This overbearing attitude is very rude in diplomatic settings.

Using '外交场合' (diplomatic settings).

6

他那盛气凌人的样子，让大家都对他敬而远之。

His overbearing manner made everyone keep a respectful distance from him.

Using the idiom '敬而远之' (keep at a distance).

7

身为领导，如果总是盛气凌人，就很难听到真话。

As a leader, if you are always overbearing, it's hard to hear the truth.

Using '身为' (acting as/in the position of).

8

他在成名之后变得越来越盛气凌人了。

He became more and more overbearing after becoming famous.

Using '越来越' (more and more).

1

他那盛气凌人的姿态，显然是没把对手放在眼里。

His overbearing posture clearly shows he doesn't take his opponents seriously.

Using '没把...放在眼里' (to look down on/ignore).

2

文章批评了某些官员盛气凌人、脱离群众的作风。

The article criticized the overbearing style of some officials who are out of touch with the masses.

Using '脱离群众' (out of touch with the people).

3

他那盛气凌人的谈吐，透露出一种根深蒂固的偏见。

His overbearing manner of speaking reveals a deep-seated prejudice.

Using '根深蒂固' (deep-seated).

4

这种盛气凌人的文化氛围不利于团队的创新和合作。

This overbearing cultural atmosphere is not conducive to team innovation and cooperation.

Using '不利于' (not conducive to).

5

他虽然言辞激烈，但并不盛气凌人，而是据理力争。

Although his words were fierce, he was not overbearing; rather, he argued based on reason.

Using '据理力争' (argue based on logic/reason).

6

在强权面前，他从未表现出盛气凌人，也从未卑躬屈膝。

In the face of power, he was never overbearing, nor was he servile.

Contrasting with '卑躬屈膝' (bowing and scraping).

7

他那盛气凌人的神情，让原本轻松的聚会变得尴尬。

His overbearing expression made the originally relaxed gathering awkward.

Using '神情' (expression/look).

8

我们应当警惕那种盛气凌人的民族主义情绪。

We should be wary of that kind of overbearing nationalist sentiment.

Using '警惕' (be wary of).

1

观其言行，虽有一时之盛气凌人，实则内心虚弱之极。

Observing his words and deeds, though he is momentarily overbearing, he is actually extremely weak inside.

Using '实则' (actually/in reality) and '之极' (extremely).

2

他那种盛气凌人的性格，注定了他无法在复杂的政治斗争中长久立足。

His overbearing personality doomed him to be unable to maintain a long-term foothold in complex political struggles.

Using '注定了' (doomed/destined).

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This Word in Other Languages

overbearing English
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