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Showing results for underemployed. Search instead for underemphase.
Definitions

underemployed

[uhn-der-em-ploid] / ˌʌn dər ɛmˈplɔɪd /
ADJECTIVE
unemployed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
idle inactive jobless
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.

Many refugees arrive with professional experience and degrees but end up unemployed or underemployed in survival-wage jobs to make ends meet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Younger men are underemployed, falling behind women in educational terms, and struggling with mental and physical health issues.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2025

Jack, the investment broker who teams up with Tess in more ways than one, is played by Anoop Desai in a dashing but theatrically underemployed performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

Last summer, Inside Higher Ed highlighted a report finding that “more than half of bachelor’s degree holders are underemployed a year after graduation.”

From Slate • May 20, 2025

Half the young men of that age group are either unemployed or underemployed.

From "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers