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Definitions

unemployed

[uhn-em-ploid] / ˌʌn ɛmˈplɔɪd /
ADJECTIVE
without a job
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 bench 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.

Being unemployed for half a year takes a toll on both your wallet and your self-worth.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Rivers, who said he did not finish his degree because of financial issues, is unemployed.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

With her husband unemployed, she says she has been putting off medical care for a painful tooth for three months because she can't afford it or find anyone to lend her the money.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

More students and unemployed graduates are vying for a limited number of spots to improve their odds of getting hired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

He worked odd jobs waiting tables and doing construction, but he’d eventually have another hemophilia attack and end up unemployed again.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Vocabulary lists containing unemployed

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