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

That means nearly two out of three times, a film lands two supporting actress nominations, and both women go home empty-handed. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026

But as Melendrez turned to leave empty-handed, Chin looked up from behind the counter, smiled, and waved him back. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The production received nine 2026 Tony Award nominations but went home empty-handed. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026

As cases of an illness stemming from a parasite that causes symptoms like explosive diarrhea continue to rise across the United States, the hunt for the source has so far seen investigators turn up empty-handed. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for empty-handed

• countermanded
• evenhanded
• reprimanded
• underhanded
• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded

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