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
Meeting your boss empty-handed means a missed opportunity for your career.
—
Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Even if they’re not wounded or killed, many go home empty-handed, said Jassim, a 28-year-old logistics worker hired by a local contractor working with the foundation.
—Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
The musical received two Tony Award nominations – Best Original Score and, for Justina Machado, Best Featured Actress in a Musical – but went home empty-handed earlier this month.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 June 2025
When Williams arrived empty-handed, prosecutors alleged, he was beaten to death.
—Natalie Meade, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
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Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Even if they’re not wounded or killed, many go home empty-handed, said Jassim, a 28-year-old logistics worker hired by a local contractor working with the foundation.
—Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
The musical received two Tony Award nominations – Best Original Score and, for Justina Machado, Best Featured Actress in a Musical – but went home empty-handed earlier this month.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 June 2025
When Williams arrived empty-handed, prosecutors alleged, he was beaten to death.
—Natalie Meade, Rolling Stone, 16 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 30 Jun. 2025.
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