Unemployed: meaning, definitions and examples

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unemployed

[ ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd ]

^{Context #1}

looking for work

Not currently employed and actively seeking work.

Synonyms

idle, jobless, out of work

Examples of usage

He has been unemployed for six months now.
Many people are struggling with unemployment during the pandemic.

^{Context #2}

not engaged in a specific job

Not engaged in a specific job or occupation.

Synonyms

idle, unoccupied, vacant

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "unemployed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desempregado

🇮🇳 बेरोजगार

🇩🇪 arbeitslos

🇮🇩 pengangguran

🇺🇦 безробітний

🇵🇱 bezrobotny

🇯🇵 失業者

🇫🇷 chômeur

🇪🇸 desempleado

🇹🇷 işsiz

🇰🇷 실업자

🇸🇦 عاطل عن العمل

🇨🇿 nezaměstnaný

🇸🇰 nezamestnaný

🇨🇳 失业

🇸🇮 brezposeln

🇮🇸 atvinnulaus

🇰🇿 жұмыссыз

🇬🇪 უმუშევარი

🇦🇿 işsiz

🇲🇽 desempleado

Word origin

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.