empty-handed
adjective
emp·ty-hand·ed
ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd 
1
: having or bringing nothing
2
: having acquired or gained nothing
came back empty-handed
Examples of empty-handed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The release date rolled around and the cups quickly sold out nationwide, with disappointed customers left empty-handed and full of conspiratorial theories.
—
Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
Mama taught you not to show up empty-handed, but bringing food to a party—especially when it hasn’t been cleared by the host—can actually backfire.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025
Both Erivo and Grande were nominated for Oscars for the film’s first part, but went home empty-handed.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 Dec. 2025
Pies make great gifts, especially for guests who don’t want to show up empty-handed to holiday meals.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
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Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
Mama taught you not to show up empty-handed, but bringing food to a party—especially when it hasn’t been cleared by the host—can actually backfire.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025
Both Erivo and Grande were nominated for Oscars for the film’s first part, but went home empty-handed.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 Dec. 2025
Pies make great gifts, especially for guests who don’t want to show up empty-handed to holiday meals.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
Cite this Entry
“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
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