unemployed

adjective

un·​em·​ployed ˌən-im-ˈplȯid 

: not employed:

a

: not being used

unemployed machines

b

: not engaged in a gainful occupation

an unemployed teacher seeking work

15% of the workforce was unemployed.

c

: not invested

unemployed capital

unemployed noun

Synonyms of unemployed

• out of work
• jobless

Examples of unemployed in a Sentence

the plant closings left a significant portion of the town's population unemployed

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the character of James was portrayed as a firefighter on Maude (and was named Henry), he was cast as alternating between being unemployed and working multiple odd jobs to support his family on Good Times. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026

The draft rules would require more documentation from parents who are homeless or unemployed, the people familiar with the deliberations told The Associated Press. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

The draft rules would require more documentation from parents who are homeless or unemployed, the people familiar with the deliberations told the Associated Press. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Yes, California had the nation’s highest number of unemployed, at 999,000. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unemployed

• the unemployed

Rhymes for unemployed

• albuminoid
• arytenoid
• cannabinoid
• carotenoid
• epidermoid
• epithelioid
• meteoroid
• paraboloid
• subarachnoid
• underemployed
• adenoid
• alkaloid

Kids Definition

unemployed

adjective

un·​em·​ployed ˌən-im-ˈplȯid 

1

: not being used

unemployed tools

2

: not employed : having no job

unemployed workers

unemployed noun