ずく (zuku): By sheer means; based on calculation or agreement
～ずく (zuku)
Meaning
By sheer means; based on calculation or agreement
Formation and usage
fixed N + ずく（で／の）
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Used in fixed combinations for force, money, mutual consent, calculation, or self-interest; meaning varies by collocation.
Examples
力ずくで解決しようとしても、信頼は得られない。
Trying to settle things by force will not earn trust.
何でも金ずくで動かせると思うのは間違いだ。
It is wrong to think that money can make everything go one's way.
これは双方が納得ずくで決めた条件だ。
These are terms agreed upon with both sides' full consent.
彼の親切は、計算ずくの行動ではなかった。
His kindness was not a calculated act.
欲得ずくで近づいてくる人には注意したい。
I want to be cautious of people who approach me out of self-interest.
How related patterns differ
These suffixes are not freely interchangeable: めく and じみる give a characteristic air; 気味 marks a slight tendency. まみれ often covers something in dirt, ずくめ describes an overall type, and づくし an assortment. Learn ずく, 越し, ぐるみ, and がかり in established combinations.