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

The Dolphins must interview two minority candidates in accordance with the league’s Rooney Rule, and both of those candidates must come from other teams (or be unemployed). —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

In December, 26% of all unemployed workers had been out of work for at least six months, the highest share since February 2022, according to the BLS. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026

Millions are unemployed as AI steals entry-level roles—and experts don’t see the dire situation improving, instead warning that the traditional college-to-office path is forever broken. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

In December, the share of people who were unemployed for 27 weeks or more rose to 26%. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 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