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
The film was nominated for several Golden Globes, including a historic repeat nomination for Erivo, but ultimately went home empty-handed.
—
Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
The United States departs empty-handed.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
By establishing a routine, you won't be caught empty-handed or shirtless.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026
Industry precursors like the DGA and PGA blanked Accident, and despite a strong showing at the Globe nominations, Panahi ultimately went home empty-handed.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
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Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
The United States departs empty-handed.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
By establishing a routine, you won't be caught empty-handed or shirtless.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026
Industry precursors like the DGA and PGA blanked Accident, and despite a strong showing at the Globe nominations, Panahi ultimately went home empty-handed.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
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 27 Jan. 2026.
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