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

As cases of an illness stemming from a parasite that causes symptoms like explosive diarrhea continue to rise across the United States, the hunt for the source has so far seen investigators turn up empty-handed. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's rehearsal dinner guests didn't go home empty-handed. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 July 2026

When the list is said to include everyone from Selena Gomez and Patrick Mahomes to Gigi Hadid, Stevie Nicks, Tim McGraw, Suki Waterhouse, Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran, does anyone really believe every VIP is arriving empty-handed? — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

Murphy hopes the fundraiser will help ensure no family has to leave empty-handed. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for empty-handed

• countermanded
• evenhanded
• reprimanded
• underhanded
• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded

Kids Definition

empty-handed

adjective

emp·​ty-hand·​ed

ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd

1

: having nothing in the hands

2

: having acquired or gained nothing

came back empty-handed