aniṣṭāpādana

 Aniṣṭāpādana (अनिष्टापादन) is a Sanskrit compound meaning "obtaining what is not desired" or "not obtaining what is desired."

Definition and Etymology

Aniṣṭāpādana is a tatpuruṣa compound derived from aniṣṭa and 

āpādana

Wisdom Library

 :

• Aniṣṭa (अनिष्ट): undesired, unbeneficial, evil, or unfortunate
• Āpādana (आपादन): attainment, obtaining, or reception

The compound literally conveys the occurrence or result of not 

receiving what one wishes for, or conversely, acquiring something 

undesirable. The term is used in Sanskrit texts as a noun and can 

appear in the form aniṣṭāpādanam (अनिष्टापादनम्)

Wisdom Library

 .

Usage and Context

• General context: Refers to undesired events, adverse outcomes, 
• or unfulfilled desires. It can denote situations where expectations 
• are not met or where harm or inconvenience results.
• Literary context: Found in Hindu and Buddhist Sanskrit literature,
• alongside other abstract terms describing luck, fortune, or misfortune 

  1

  .
• Derivative or related terms: The root forms aniṣṭa and āpādana
• are often used individually for philosophical, ritual, or poetic 
• expression of adverse conditions or the failure of desired outcomes. 
• Classical grammar texts classify this as a noun indicating 
• negative attainment or its absence.
• 

  1 Source
• 
  

In essence, aniṣṭāpādana captures the concept of undesirable 

acquisition or the failure to obtain something desirable, reflecting 

both in worldly and spiritual contexts in Sanskrit 

literature 

Sanskrit Dictionary+1

.