Japatan
Formation
- なA(語幹) + 極まる
- なA(語幹) + 極まりない
- なA + な + こと + 極まりない
- いA + こと + 極まりない
Explanation
Attached to the stem of a na-adjective, it is a written expression meaning 'as ~ as can be'. 極まりない looks negative but means the same as 極まる. It is mostly used with negative words such as 失礼, 危険, 迷惑, 退屈 and shows strong criticism. 感極まる is a set phrase meaning to be overcome with emotion.
Examples
運転中にスマートフォンを見るのは 危険極まりない。
Looking at a smartphone while driving is extremely dangerous.
客の質問に返事もしないとは、失礼極まる態度だ。
Not even answering a customer's question is an utterly rude attitude.
説明が長いだけの会議は 退屈極まりなかった。
The meeting, which was nothing but long explanations, was extremely boring.
卒業式で先生の言葉を聞き、彼女は 感極まって 泣き出した。
Hearing her teacher's words at the graduation ceremony, she was overcome with emotion and began to cry.
Notes
It does not attach directly to i-adjectives or verbs; with an i-adjective, こと is inserted, as in 危ないこと極まりない. Remember that 極まりない is not a negation; it means 'extremely'.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1客に向かってあんな言葉を使うとは、失礼（ ）。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 極まりない
Using such words to a customer is extremely rude. 失礼極まりない means 'utterly rude'. 極めて is an adverb and cannot end the sentence; the others are not used this way.
2優勝が決まった瞬間、選手たちは（ ）泣き出した。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 感極まって
The moment their victory was decided, the players were overcome with emotion and began to cry. 感極まって is a fixed expression; the other forms are not used.
3「極まりない」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 彼の態度は不愉快極まりない。
His attitude is extremely unpleasant. 極まりない attaches to na-adjective stems like 不愉快, not to i-adjectives, verbs or ordinary nouns.
