Meaning of
naqaam
नाक़ाम • ناکام
English
unsuccessful; failed; unfulfilled
Hindi
असफल; नाकामयाब; अधूरा
Urdu
ناکام; نامراد; نامکمل
Origin
Arabic
Ash'aar
badal ja tu nahin to rab ka ye paighaam aayega
tu zalim har jagah se bebas-o-naakaam aayega
hamaare mulk ki barbaadiyon ka zikr jab hogaa
sar-e-fehrist ai zalim teraa hi naam aayega
15
dil na-umeed to nahin naakaam hi to hai
lambi hai gham ki shaam magar shaam hi to hai
269
karunga kya jo mohabbat men ho gaya naakaam
mujhe to aur koi kaam bhi nahin aata
64
main kaise maan luun ki ishq bas ik baar hota hai
tujhe jitni dafa dekhooñ mujhe har baar hota hai
tujhe paane ki hasrat aur dar na-kaamiyaabi ka
inheen do teen baaton se ye dil do chaar hota hai
49
mujhe maaloom hai us ka thikaana phir kahaan hogaa
parinda aasmaañ choone men jab naakaam ho jaa.e
40
mire saleeqe se meri nibhi mohabbat men
tamaam umr main naakaamiyon se kaam liya
39
KHud-kushi karne men bhi naakaam rah jaate hain ham
kaun amrit ghol deta hai hamaare zahar men
24
titliyan udti hain aur un ko pakadne waale
saii-e-naakaam men apnon se bichhad jaate hain
16
dil-kharaashi-o-jigar-chaaki-o-khoon-afshaani
hooñ to naakaam pa rahte hain mujhe kaam bahut
16
tune ik din ha
men naakaam kaha aur hamne
KHud ko apne bhi kisi kaam nahin aane diya
15
badal ja tu nahin to rab ka ye paighaam aayega
tu zalim har jagah se bebas-o-naakaam aayega
hamaare mulk ki barbaadiyon ka zikr jab hogaa
sar-e-fehrist ai zalim teraa hi naam aayega
15
dil na-umeed to nahin naakaam hi to hai
lambi hai gham ki shaam magar shaam hi to hai
269
Nuance
The word 'naqaam' evokes a sense of unfulfilled aspirations and the quiet resignation that follows a failed endeavor. In poetry, it often captures the melancholic beauty of dreams that remain unrealized, resonating with the universal human experience of striving and falling short.
Poetic Usage
Poets use 'naqaam' to explore themes of lost love, unachieved goals, and the bittersweet nature of human ambition. It contrasts with words of success and triumph, highlighting the poignancy of human vulnerability.
Closing Insight
In the realm of poetry, 'naqaam' becomes a mirror reflecting the silent struggles and the quiet dignity of those who dare to dream.