A feeling of regret or chagrin; disappointment at something that did not turn out as hoped.
試験に合格できず、無念の思いでいっぱいだ。
I couldn't pass the exam and am full of regret.
最後の一投で負けてしまい、選手は無念そうにうつむいた。
He lost on the final throw and the athlete looked downcast with chagrin.
約束の時間に遅れてしまって、本当に無念だ。
I was late for the appointment and really feel disappointed.
In Buddhist usage, freedom from obstructive thoughts; a state of mind without distracting or clinging thoughts.
禅では無念の境地を目指して坐禅を組むことがある。
In Zen, practitioners sometimes sit zazen aiming for the state of no-thought.
修行を続けるうちに、煩悩が消えて無念に近い心境になったと言った。
He said that after continuing his practice his passions faded and he reached a state close to no-thought.