Unemployment: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The government is implementing new policies to reduce unemployment.
• Unemployment has risen significantly during the pandemic.

Typically used in formal or academic contexts to denote the condition of being without a job, often focusing on the social or psychological impacts.

• The study explores the long-term effects of joblessness on mental health.
• High levels of joblessness can lead to increased crime rates.

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.

• The unemployment rate dropped to 5% last month.
• Economic experts are predicting a rise in the unemployment rate.

Commonly used in informal contexts that describe individuals or groups of individuals who do not have a job.

• He has been jobless for six months now.
• Many jobless people struggle to make ends meet.

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.

• The government released new statistics on unemployment rates
• He has been struggling with unemployment for several months

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.

• She is actively job-seeking and attends many interviews
• Job-seeking can be stressful but rewarding when you find the right fit

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.

• Worklessness is a significant issue in many post-industrial towns
• Policies must address the root causes of worklessness to be effective

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.

• He spends most of his time idle in front of the TV
• The factory has been idle during the holidays

This term is used in a general context to describe the state of not having a job.

• The government is introducing measures to address rising unemployment.
• High unemployment rates can affect the overall economy.

This term is often used to describe the event of losing a job, especially in a context that might imply hardship or economic challenges.

• Job loss in the manufacturing sector has increased due to automation.
• Facing job loss can be very stressful for individuals and families.

This is used when someone voluntarily takes a break from their career, often for personal reasons such as travel, study, or family care.

• After working for ten years, she decided to take a career break to travel the world.
• He is on a career break to complete his master's degree.

Typically used in a workplace context, often referring to the involuntary dismissal of employees due to economic conditions, company downsizing, or restructuring.

• The company announced massive layoffs due to the economic downturn.
• Many employees faced layoffs as the company struggled to stay afloat.