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

Clark not only disrespects officials, she is unafraid to show up her coach Stephanie White, as witnessed by their recent viral exchange on the bench during a loss to the Portland Fire.

From Los Angeles Times • 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

In what seemed like a classic case of Pep Guardiola overthinking a final, Manchester City lynchpin Rodri was left on the bench for the Champions League defeat by Chelsea in 2021.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

I laugh, and she does a spin before flopping down on the bench across from me.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

on the bench

Example Sentences

Related Words