unemployment insurance

noun

: social insurance against involuntary unemployment that provides unemployment compensation for a limited period to unemployed workers

also : unemployment compensation

Examples of unemployment insurance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The framework for unemployment insurance has not been updated since it was created as part of the New Deal, and the federal taxes that support the program have not changed since the 1980s. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

Both Bernick and the LAO agree, the state’s unemployment insurance system is broken. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026

That scheme was carried out by submitting false and fraudulent applications for benefits under programs such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and other unemployment insurance programs. —Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Strengthening labor laws, increasing the minimum wage and improving social safety nets like unemployment insurance are a few ways the government could step in to address lagging wage growth, Shierholz says. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unemployment insurance

• assurance
• durance
• reassurance
• reinsurance

Legal Definition

unemployment insurance

noun

: a social insurance program that provides unemployment compensation for a limited period to involuntarily unemployed workers