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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.

But first, how do we get from unemployed house sitter to impending Italian nuptials?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Job security is a key feature of the job hunt these days, and searches for people who are unemployed can be lengthy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Continuing claims, which scale with the total size of the unemployed population, fell to 1.794 million in the week through March 28, against 1.832 million a week earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The latest data shows 700,000 graduates are unemployed and claiming benefits and Diss says her case suggests they require a different sort of help.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

She has a smile on like Lenny had a normal day, and not a first day of being partially unemployed.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

Vocabulary lists containing unemployed

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