empty-handed
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The VA says it’s already tested that course and came up empty-handed.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, walked out of his office empty-handed.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
“Marty Supreme,” which was nominated for nine awards, went home empty-handed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
The Londoner went free and detectives left empty-handed.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
I was empty-handed, having thrown away the sack full of sawdust.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
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