〜ようでは: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (dictionary form)/verb (nai-form)+ようでは
• い-adjective+ようでは
• な-adjective (stem)+な+ようでは

How it is used

'If things are like A, then…': points to a worrying state of affairs and is followed by a negative verdict such as 「〜ない」 or 「困る」. Used to criticise or warn. Compared with 「ては」, it focuses more on the current state.

Examples

1. 朝自分で起きられないようでは先が思いやられる。

   If you can't even get up on your own in the morning, I worry about your future.

2. この程度の練習で疲れるようでは、試合には出られないよ。

   If this much practice tires you out, you won't get to play in the match.

3. あいさつもろくにできないようでは、社会人として通用しない。

   If you can't even greet people properly, you won't get by in the working world.