Unemployment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโ๐ผ
unemployment
[หสnษชmหplษษชmษnt ]
Definitions
economic
The state of being unemployed, or not having a job.
Synonyms
jobless, joblessness, unemployment rate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unemployment |
Used in a formal or general context to refer to the state of not having a job. Often used in discussions about the economy or social issues.
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| joblessness |
Typically used in formal or academic contexts to denote the condition of being without a job, often focusing on the social or psychological impacts.
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| unemployment rate |
Used in economic or statistical discussions to refer to the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed. It is a precise measure often cited in reports and analyses.
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| jobless |
Commonly used in informal contexts that describe individuals or groups of individuals who do not have a job.
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Examples of usage
- High unemployment rates can lead to economic instability.
- Many people are struggling with long-term unemployment.
- The government is taking measures to reduce unemployment.
- Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial assistance.
- Unemployment can have a negative impact on mental health.
social
The condition of not being employed and actively looking for a job.
Synonyms
idle, job-seeking, worklessness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unemployment |
This word is used to describe the state of not having a job, especially when actively looking for one. It is often used in formal contexts such as economic reports, news articles, or discussions about labor markets.
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| job-seeking |
A term that describes the act of looking for a job. It focuses on the proactive efforts of a person to find employment. Often used in advice articles, career counseling, or personal discussions.
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| worklessness |
This is a more technical and formal term used in discussions about social and economic issues. It describes the state of being without work, often long-term, and includes those not actively seeking employment.
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| idle |
Idle is used to describe people or things not being active or working. It can also imply laziness or unproductiveness. It is often used in more informal or casual conversations.
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Examples of usage
- The unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing.
- Youth unemployment is a growing concern in many countries.
- The government is addressing the issue of structural unemployment.
- Unemployment levels are expected to rise due to the pandemic.
- Unemployment benefits help support individuals during job search.
personal
The experience of being without a job and the emotional impact it can have.
Synonyms
career break, job loss, layoff.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unemployment |
This term is used in a general context to describe the state of not having a job.
|
| job loss |
This term is often used to describe the event of losing a job, especially in a context that might imply hardship or economic challenges.
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| career break |
This is used when someone voluntarily takes a break from their career, often for personal reasons such as travel, study, or family care.
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| layoff |
Typically used in a workplace context, often referring to the involuntary dismissal of employees due to economic conditions, company downsizing, or restructuring.
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Examples of usage
- She felt a sense of worthlessness due to long-term unemployment.
- Unemployment can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
- There is a stigma associated with unemployment in some societies.
- Unemployment can challenge one's sense of identity and purpose.
- Coping with unemployment requires resilience and support.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Economic Impact
- High levels of unemployment can lead to economic downturns, affecting businesses and governments.
- Joblessness can result in decreased consumer spending, further impacting economic growth.
- Countries often measure unemployment through rates, which represent the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed.
Social Perspective
- Long-term unemployment can affect mental health, leading to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
- It can also impact families, as job loss may lead to financial strain and stress in relationships.
- Social safety nets like unemployment insurance are designed to help those without jobs during tough times.
Historical Context
- The Great Depression in the 1930s saw unemployment rates soar to around 25% in the United States.
- World War II contributed to a drop in unemployment as many went to work in factories supporting the war effort.
- Economic recessions often cause spikes in unemployment rates, significantly affecting various sectors.
Technological Influence
- Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming job markets, leading to both job displacement and the creation of new opportunities.
- The gig economy allows people to find short-term work, changing the landscape of traditional employment.
- Remote work technology has become crucial post-2020, enabling many to continue working despite changes in job availability.
Origin of 'unemployment'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin root 'employare', which means 'to use' or 'to employ'.
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', indicating the opposite of having a job.
The term 'unemployment' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'employment' (the state of having a job). The concept of unemployment became more prominent during periods of economic downturns, such as the Great Depression. Today, unemployment is a key indicator of the health of an economy and a significant social issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide.
See also: employ, employed, employee, employees, employer, employing, employment, misemploy, underemployment, unemployed.