をものともせずに

The expression をものともせずに means "in defiance of", "undaunted by", or "without being deterred by". It is used to describe someone who faces a difficult or adverse situation but pushes forward regardless, showing courage, determination, or resilience.

The structure is: Noun + をものともせずに

The noun before をものともせずに typically refers to a hardship, obstacle, danger, criticism, or unfavorable condition – something that would normally discourage or stop a person.

Nuance

This expression carries a literary or formal tone and is often found in written narratives, news articles, speeches, and biographical descriptions. It conveys admiration or respect for the subject's determination. It is rarely used in casual everyday conversation.

The ものともしない part comes from the classical expression meaning "to not regard something as a problem." The ず is a classical negative form (equivalent to ない). The に at the end functions adverbially, connecting to the main clause that describes what the person went on to do.

Related expressions

• にもかかわらず: "despite; in spite of" – more neutral and does not necessarily imply courage or defiance.
• をよそに: "ignoring; paying no attention to" – focuses on disregarding something, often with a slightly negative nuance toward the subject.
• をおして: "pushing through; braving" – similar in meaning but slightly less literary.

をものともせずに specifically emphasizes the subject's inner strength and refusal to be defeated by adversity.