anirvṛta

 Anirvṛta (अनिर्वृत) in Sanskrit primarily means “uneasy, dissatisfied, unfulfilled, or discomposed,” with philosophical nuances in Hinduism indicating a life or state that remains unaccomplished or spiritually unfulfilled.

General Sanskrit Definitions

In classical Sanskrit, anirvṛta is an adjective describing someone or 

something that is:

• Ill at ease, uneasy, or discomposed
• Unhappy or dissatisfied
• Unaccomplished or unfulfilled

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It is a tatpurusha compound formed from the prefix "a-" (negation) 

and "nirvṛta" (meaning “completed” or “terminated”), literally translating 

to “not completed” or “unresolved”

Sanskrit Dictionary

 . In usage,

it describes a state or condition marked by discontent or lack of

fulfillment.

Philosophical Context in Hinduism and Vedanta

In Vedanta philosophy, particularly in texts like the Aṣṭāvakragītā

(~5th century BCE), anirvṛtā refers to a life that is spiritually unfulfilled

despite worldly activity. It is associated with individuals who are 

deluded about reality or self-realization, continuing a life of distraction

because they do not attain inner completion or

liberation (moksha) 

Wisdom Library

.

For example, as mentioned in the Aṣṭāvakra text: “Those of weak 

intelligence think of themselves as pure non-duality, but because 

of their delusion do not know this, and remain unfulfilled (anirvṛtā) 

all their lives”

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 . Here, anirvṛtā conveys a deeper 

existential and spiritual dissatisfaction beyond mere worldly discomfort.

Usage in Literature

The term appears in classical Sanskrit literature to denote:

• Psychological or emotional unrest
• Incomplete actions or unresolved tasks
• Spiritual incompleteness

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In all contexts, anirvṛta carries a sense of negation of nirvṛta, which

itself indicates settled, fulfilled, or peaceful completion. This makes 

anirvṛta suitable for describing states of unease, incomplete 

achievement, or lingering dissatisfaction both in mundane and

philosophical discourse.

In summary, anirvṛta encapsulates not only physical or emotional

unease but also spiritual incompletion, reflecting both the literal

and Vedantic interpretations in classical Sanskrit texts.