unemployed
word
/ˌənɛmˈpɫɔɪd/
uhn-em-PLOYD
/ʌnɛmplˈɔɪd/
uhn-em-PLOYD
Definition
Not having a paid job, but looking for work. Usually used to describe people who don’t currently work but want to find employment.
Usage & Nuances
Describes someone without a job but actively looking. Used in formal and informal situations. Related phrase: 'unemployment rate' (measure of how many people are unemployed). Different from 'laid off' (temporarily out of work) or 'retired' (no longer working by choice).
Spanish: desempleado - sin trabajoPortuguese (BR): desempregadoPortuguese (PT): desempregadoChinese (Simplified): 失业的Chinese (Traditional): 失業的Hindi: बेरोज़गारArabic: عاطل عن العملBengali: বেকারRussian: безработныйJapanese: 失業中Vietnamese: thất nghiệpKorean: 실업자Turkish: işsizUrdu: بے روزگارIndonesian: pengangguran
Example Sentences
Many unemployed people are looking for jobs.
basic
After losing his job, Mark became unemployed.
basic
I've been unemployed since the company shut down.
natural
It's tough to stay positive when you're unemployed.
natural
She used her unemployed time to learn new skills.
natural
He has been unemployed for six months.
basic