Unemployed
/ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd/
Definitions
Not having a job that provides regular pay.
/ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd/
Without a job and actively seeking work.
Many people are unemployed because of the economic downturn.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really, really want a job, you've been looking, but nobody has hired you yet. That's being unemployed! Like, if you're still looking for your summer job, you're unemployed until you find one.
👶 For kids: When you want a job but don't have one. It's like wanting to play a game but not being able to find anyone to play with.
More Examples
The government is trying to reduce the number of unemployed citizens.
She has been unemployed for several months and is actively seeking work.
How It's Used
"The unemployment rate in the region is currently at 7%."
"Unemployed individuals often face financial and social challenges."
Idioms & expressions
unemployment benefits
Money provided by the government to people who are unemployed.
"He relied on unemployment benefits while he searched for a new job."
unemployment rate
The percentage of the workforce that is unemployed.
"The unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic health."
From "un-" (not) + "employed" (having a job). The word emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with industrialization and fluctuations in the labor market.
The term 'unemployed' gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism, as economic cycles led to periods of joblessness.
Memory tip
Think of 'un-' as 'not' and 'employed' as 'having a job'. Put them together and you've got 'not having a job'.