Meaning & usage
Noun + なくして(は) expresses that something is impossible or meaningless were it not for that noun, equivalent to without. It is typically followed by a negative outcome such as ない, できない or ありえない, with は adding emphasis to the condition. It attaches directly to a noun, as in 努力なくしては, and belongs to formal written style often seen in proverbs and speeches.
Example sentences 6
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苦しみなくして利益なし。
No gains without pains.
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リスクなくして、何も学べない。
If no one ever took any risks, we'd never learn anything.
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努力なくしては何も得られない。
Nothing is achieved without effort.
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信頼無くして、友情はありえない。
There can be no friendship without trust.
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忍耐なくしてはだれも成功することはできない。
Nobody is able to succeed without endurance.
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痛みなくして得るものなし。
No pain, no gain.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 7 past exam questions.
And 3 more tests.
