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

After the Florida Legislature reduced funding in the state’s cultural-grants program, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the rest of the money this month, leaving arts groups empty-handed. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2024

Still, some guests are uncomfortable arriving empty-handed. —Rachael Jackson, Washington Post, 18 June 2024

If your summer agenda includes celebrations like birthdays, engagements, and housewarming parties, don’t show up empty-handed. Drew Barrymore and Kacey Musgraves curated their own Etsy mood boards to inspire you to find the perfect gift for others (and, of course, yourself). —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024

This fit-finding quest hurts brands’ bottom lines, between the cost of returns and potential lost sales if customers leave stores empty-handed. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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