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
Even those who arrive early often leave the food sites empty-handed as food quickly runs out.
—
Daniel Estrin, NPR, 26 June 2025
As a guest, nothing’s worse than showing up at the event empty-handed—especially when all the other attendees come bearing gifts.
—Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
Instead, another empty-handed pursuit, with the Heat expected to return with a roster largely intact from the one that closed the season 37-45 and was blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers by a record-setting margin in the first round of the playoffs.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Meeting your boss empty-handed means a missed opportunity for your career.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daniel Estrin, NPR, 26 June 2025
As a guest, nothing’s worse than showing up at the event empty-handed—especially when all the other attendees come bearing gifts.
—Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
Instead, another empty-handed pursuit, with the Heat expected to return with a roster largely intact from the one that closed the season 37-45 and was blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers by a record-setting margin in the first round of the playoffs.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Meeting your boss empty-handed means a missed opportunity for your career.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 21 June 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 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share