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Definitions

on the bench

ADJECTIVE
unemployed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
idle inactive jobless underemployed
STRONG
down free loafing
WEAK
at liberty between jobs closed-down disengaged fired laid-off leisured on layoff on the dole on the shelf out of a job out of action out of work resting unapplied unengaged unexercised unoccupied unused without gainful employment workless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active busy working
WEAK
employed occupied

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.

Tyler Fredericson was on the bench at Bournemouth and captained United's Under-21 side in their Premier League International Cup defeat by Real Madrid last week.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Carrick also took the bold decision to leave Bryan Mbeumo on the bench for the first time in the Premier League this season.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Mara, meanwhile, left behind his family in Spain for UCLA, only to sit on the bench.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The Bruins didn’t even panic when their leader seemed to panic, as Betts spent nearly half of the first quarter on the bench complaining that, “I’ve got something stuck in my throat.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Jenna sat down on the bench and shrugged.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence