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.
“Marty Supreme,” which was nominated for nine awards, went home empty-handed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
Rising star Young did not leave empty-handed, picking up best breakthrough artist while Wolf Alice snagged group of the year.
From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026
The reprieve is short-lived: Voting begins on Feb. 26, when the brutal math of awards season will reassert itself, meaning roughly 80% of them will head home on Oscar night empty-handed.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026
But far from seeing both sides as leaving empty-handed, many consider Reykjavik crucial.
From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026
“But you can make a brilliant Patronus!” protested Ron, when Harry arrived back at the tent empty-handed, out of breath, and mouthing the single word, dementors.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
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