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

Any good house guest knows not to ever arrive empty-handed. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Also, Lance Henriksen shows up in a key role, which suggests that Cameron didn’t leave this production empty-handed. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Investigators reviewed camera recordings showing customers leaving the stores empty-handed or with only small bags after SNAP transactions totaling hundreds of dollars. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

Sophi Balerdi tried to steal Steven’s Block-a-Vote advantage at Tribal Council, but because Steven had already activated it back at camp, Sophie was left embarrassed and empty-handed while Steven appeared to hold all the cards, especially when Rizo Velocic decided to not play his immunity idol. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025

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