adjective, nominative singular neuter (acc. -aṁ)
Analysis. a- (not) + kusala (skillful, wholesome); the negation of kusala, which derives from √kus 'to be able, accomplish'.
Etymology. The prefix a- (without, not; cognate with English un-, Greek a-/an-) negates kusala. Kusala itself likely derives from the ability to accomplish something well; it contrasts with dukkha (suffering) and refers to actions conducive to well-being and enlightenment. In Buddhist doctrine, akusala kamma comprises the three bodily, four verbal, and three mental unwholesome actions (killing, stealing, sexual misconduct; false speech, slander, harsh speech, idle chatter; covetousness, ill-will, wrong view).
Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.
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