Unemployable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unemployable
[ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪəbl ]
Definition
job market
Unemployable refers to an individual who is not able to find work or is not considered suitable for employment due to various reasons, which may include lack of skills, qualifications, or personal circumstances. This term often implies a more permanent state where the person's attributes or situation render them incapable of securing a job.
Synonyms
ineligible, unqualified, unskilled.
Examples of usage
- After years of neglecting education, he became unemployable.
- Certain disabilities may leave individuals unemployable in traditional roles.
- The lack of relevant experience can make someone unemployable in competitive industries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Socioeconomic Factors
- High unemployment rates can increase the number of individuals considered unemployable, often due to a lack of available jobs in the market.
- Skills mismatch is a common reason; when job seekers do not possess the necessary skills for available positions, they may be deemed unemployable.
- Discouragement among long-term unemployed individuals can lead to feelings of hopelessness, reinforcing the cycle of being considered unemployable.
Psychology
- The belief of being unemployable can lead to lower self-esteem and motivation, making it harder for individuals to re-enter the job market.
- Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, may cause individuals to focus only on their past failures, further entrenching the feeling of being unemployable.
- Resilience-building programs have shown success in helping individuals overcome the mental barriers associated with feeling unemployable.
Pop Culture
- Films often depict characters overcoming unemployment challenges, highlighting themes of resilience and self-discovery, like in 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'
- Television shows about job hunting, like 'The Office' and '30 Rock,' illustrate the absurdities and realities of the modern workplace, touching on the concept of being unemployable.
- In music, several songs address themes of struggle, purpose, and identity tied to one's job status, resonating with those feeling unemployable.
Global Perspectives
- In some countries, educational systems do not align with job market needs, contributing to higher rates of unemployment and individuals being labeled unemployable.
- Debates around minimum wage policies often revolve around whether they help or hinder the employability of low-skilled workers in various economies.
- Cultural perceptions of work and success vary globally, impacting how societies view and support their unemployable populations.
Origin of 'unemployable'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'unemployable' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'employable,' which comes from Latin roots associated with the act of using or putting to work.
- 'Employable' emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the industrial age's focus on work and labor.
- The prefix 'un-' is used in many English words to imply a negation, such as 'unhappy' or 'unreliable,' indicating inability or lack of quality.
The word 'unemployable' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the word 'employable', which comes from the verb 'employ' meaning 'to make use of someone or something.' The term 'employ' has its roots in the Latin word 'implicare', which means 'to involve' or 'to entangle.' The concept of being unemployable began to gain traction in the 20th century as discussions surrounding economic security, workforce readiness, and the challenges faced by individuals in the job market increased. The term reflects societal attitudes towards work, skill acquisition, and the evolving requirements of employers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in an ever-changing economic landscape.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,274 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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