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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.

Galvan, whose husband was also unemployed after a tech layoff, eventually enrolled in graduate school and currently works part-time as a writing tutor and editor of various blogs and journals at San Jose State University.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Howe returned to the U.S., broke and unemployed, only to discover that copycat lock-stitch sewing machines had become extremely popular.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

This is what made me what I am today — fat and unemployed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 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

Eddie lives in a trailer park with his mother, Rebecca Ball, an unemployed machine operator.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman

Vocabulary lists containing unemployed

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