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Unemployed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unemployed

[ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

looking for work

Not currently employed and actively seeking work.

Synonyms

idle, jobless, out of work.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unemployed

Used in a formal or neutral context. Often seen in reports, statistics, and official documents.

  • She has been unemployed for over six months
  • The government announced new programs to help the unemployed
jobless

More informal than 'unemployed', often used in everyday conversations. It can sometimes imply desperation or a difficult situation.

  • I’ve been jobless for nearly a year now
  • The jobless rate in the city is rising
out of work

Informal and conversational. It emphasizes not having a job at the moment and is often used in personal discussions.

  • I’ve been out of work since last month
  • After the company downsized, many people found themselves out of work
idle

Used to describe a state of not being active or working. Can imply laziness or being unproductive. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He has been idle since graduating college, showing no interest in finding a job
  • The factory machines were idle during the weekend

Examples of usage

  • He has been unemployed for six months now.
  • Many people are struggling with unemployment during the pandemic.
Context #2 | Adjective

not engaged in a specific job

Not engaged in a specific job or occupation.

Synonyms

idle, unoccupied, vacant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unemployed

Used to describe someone who does not have a job but is actively looking for one.

  • John has been unemployed for six months, but he continues to search for new opportunities every day
  • The government is implementing new programs to help the unemployed find work
idle

Refers to a person or machinery that is not currently working or being used, often implying a sense of laziness or waste. Generally has a somewhat negative connotation when describing a person.

  • The factory machinery is idle during the night shift
  • Mark has been idle since he lost his job, spending most of his days lounging at home
unoccupied

Describes something or somewhere that is empty or not being used, such as a building, seat, or room. Rarely used to describe people.

  • The house has been unoccupied for several years
  • Please take an unoccupied seat in the waiting area
vacant

Usually refers to a job position, property, or space that is available but not currently filled or used.

  • The company has several vacant positions they are trying to fill
  • The hotel had no vacant rooms, so we had to find another place to stay

Examples of usage

  • After finishing college, he was unemployed for a year before finding a job in his field.

Translations

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

Origin of 'unemployed'

The term 'unemployed' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of 'employ'. It gained popularity during times of economic downturns when many individuals were without work and seeking employment opportunities. The concept of unemployment has evolved over the years, with various government programs and policies aimed at supporting those who are out of work.

See also: employ, employed, employee, employees, employer, employing, employment, misemploy, underemployment, unemployment.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,641 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.