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.

Erling would complain if he was on the bench.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Judges are expected to behave with decorum while on the bench, but the profession doesn’t demand that they forfeit free-speech rights in retirement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The viral footage appears to show Clark and White having a heated exchange while the team is huddled on the bench.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

The couple posed for pictures on the bench from where Princess Diana was photographed alone in an iconic 1992 shot.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

I get to the bus stop in the worst mood and plop myself down on the bench.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

on the bench

Example Sentences

Related Words