Jobless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jobless

[ˈdʒɒbləs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of

Without a paid job; unemployed.

Synonyms

idle, out of work, unemployed.

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Word Description / Examples
jobless

Used to describe someone who does not have a job, often implying a desire to find one. It is a straightforward term without significant negative connotations.

  • He has been jobless for several months despite his efforts to find work.
  • The jobless rate has increased over the past year.
unemployed

A formal term used to describe someone who is without a job and actively looking for one. Often used in statistics and formal contexts.

  • The government is implementing new programs to help the unemployed.
  • Unemployed individuals are eligible for certain benefits.
out of work

Commonly used to describe someone currently without a job. It is a more conversational and neutral term, suitable for casual conversations.

  • She is out of work but is attending interviews next week.
  • After the company closed, many people found themselves out of work.
idle

Refers to someone not working or being inactive. It can imply laziness or not making an effort to work and often has a negative connotation.

  • He spends his days idle, watching TV and playing video games.
  • The factory has been idle since the shutdown.

Examples of usage

  • She was jobless for several months after being laid off.
  • The jobless rate in the country has been steadily increasing.
Context #2 | Noun

person who is

A person who is unemployed and actively looking for work.

Synonyms

job seeker, unemployed person, workless individual.

Examples of usage

  • The government is providing assistance to the jobless individuals.
  • He joined a support group for the jobless in his community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economic Impact

  • High levels of joblessness can lead to increased poverty rates and can affect the overall economy of a country.
  • Communities with high unemployment often see a rise in social issues, including crime and family instability.
  • Joblessness can increase the demand for social services and government assistance programs.

Social Perception

  • In many cultures, being jobless can lead to stigma, making it sometimes hard for people to find new jobs.
  • Social networks and personal connections can significantly influence the likelihood of finding employment.
  • Support groups and community organizations often form to help the jobless find resources and encouragement.

Psychological Effects

  • Being without a job can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
  • Many studies show that joblessness can affect mental health, causing stress and isolation.
  • Engaging in volunteer work can help alleviate some negative feelings associated with being jobless.

Demographics

  • Joblessness rates can vary significantly based on age, education level, and geographic location.
  • Young adults tend to face higher levels of unemployment compared to older workers due to lack of experience.
  • Economic downturns often hit specific sectors harder, leading to varying joblessness rates across industries.

Government Response

  • Many countries implement unemployment benefits to support individuals without jobs and stabilize the economy.
  • Job training programs often emerge to help the unemployed gain new skills and improve their chances of re-employment.
  • Policies aimed at reducing joblessness can include tax incentives for companies that hire from unemployed populations.

Origin of 'jobless'

The word 'jobless' originated in the early 19th century, formed by combining 'job' and the suffix '-less', meaning without. It became more commonly used during times of economic downturns when unemployment rates rose. The term highlights the state of not having a paid job and the challenges faced by individuals in such situations.


See also: job, joblessness, jobs.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,975, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.