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Showing results for unemployed. Search instead for un-employed.
Definitions

unemployed

[uhn-em-ploid] / ˌʌn ɛmˈplɔɪd /
ADJECTIVE
without a job
Synonyms
STRONGEST
idle inactive jobless underemployed
STRONG
down free loafing
WEAK
at liberty between jobs closed-down disengaged fired laid-off leisured on layoff on the bench on the dole on the shelf out of a job out of action out of work resting unapplied unengaged unexercised unoccupied unused without gainful employment workless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active busy working
WEAK
employed occupied

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She suggests talking with a partner about what the day-to-day would look like for you as a newly unemployed person and how you would like your partner to complement that.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Galvan, whose husband was also unemployed after a tech layoff, eventually enrolled in graduate school and currently works part-time as a writing tutor and editor of various blogs and journals at San Jose State University.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Howe returned to the U.S., broke and unemployed, only to discover that copycat lock-stitch sewing machines had become extremely popular.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

But first, how do we get from unemployed house sitter to impending Italian nuptials?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Police in New York City distribute bread and eggs to the unemployed in 1930.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing unemployed

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