unemployment

noun

un·​em·​ploy·​ment ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-mənt 

1

: the state of being unemployed : involuntary idleness of workers

also : the rate of such unemployment

2

: unemployment compensation

Examples of unemployment in a Sentence

My unemployment lasted about six months.

Unemployment has been increasing for months.

The current unemployment rate is six percent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite a strong growth forecast for the region, unemployment among the fast-growing youth population remains stubbornly high, leading to political instability and leaving the authorities looking for ways to create more jobs. — Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The witness, who also spoke on condition of anonymity in fear of reprisals, said civilians in Nyala often gather wherever fighters congregate to sell food and tea to earn a living amid widespread unemployment and few sources of income. — Yassir Abdalla, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026

Hiring has continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace, while unemployment has stayed at a low level by historical standards. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Now the city, long since marred by industrial decay, unemployment and declining population, is becoming known for its warm welcome of Chinese industry into Spain and Western Europe. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unemployment

• anti-unemployment
• unemployment compensation
• unemployment insurance

Rhymes for unemployment

• preemployment
• redeployment
• reemployment
• deployment
• employment
• enjoyment
• underemployment

Kids Definition

unemployment

noun

un·​em·​ploy·​ment ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-mənt 

: the state of being out of work