empty-handed

adjective

emp·​ty-hand·​ed ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce empty-handed (audio)
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 Guests didn’t leave the Gallery empty-handed; luxury tokens from Augustinus Bader’s cult-favorite products, such as the brand’s eye patches and Rich Cream, were handed to each attendee. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024 That fellow ended up walking out empty-handed, as did a man who ditched a full cart near the entrance. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 But there’s good news for fans who have come up empty-handed. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 But academy voters were apparently too hung up on the image of Carrey talking out of his hindquarters and left him empty-handed. The New York Times Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Eventually, he was forced to return to England empty-handed. Sophy Roberts, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024 Islanders will also be at the mercy of viewers at home, said a news release about the casting announcement, who will vote to determine who gets another shot at love and who leaves the villa heartbroken and empty-handed. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 Don’t be surprised if one or two of them leave the Academy Awards empty-handed, or with just a single statuette to show for their efforts. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 The police arrived and attempted to chase down the car but returned empty-handed. Katherine Itoh, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'empty-handed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of empty-handed was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near empty-handed

Cite this Entry

“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on empty-handed

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