Unemployed

Definition

Unemployed is an adjective that describes a person who is not currently employed or engaged in paid work. It can also refer to resources or assets that are not being utilized.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪd/
• Respelling: un-im-PLOYD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪd/
• Respelling: un-im-PLOYD

Etymology

The word "unemployed" originates from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" combined with "employed," which is derived from the Old French "employer" (to use or apply) and ultimately from the Latin "implicare" (to involve). It first appeared in English during the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Unemployment (noun)
• Underemployed (adjective)
• Unemployable (adjective)
• Unemployedness (noun, rare)
• Re-employment (noun)

Synonyms

• Jobless
• Out of work
• Idle

Antonyms

• Employed
• Working
• Occupied

Usage

As an adjective, "unemployed" is commonly used to describe individuals without paid employment. For example, "He has been unemployed since last year."

It can also describe unused assets or resources. For example, "The factory has been sitting unemployed for months."

Related Terms

• Employment: The condition of having paid work.
• Unemployment: The state of being without a job.
• Workforce: The group of people available to work.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Not engaged in paid work: Refers to individuals without current employment.
  • Example: "She became unemployed after the company downsized."
• Not in use or operation: Describes unused or idle resources.
  • Example: "Several machines in the factory are unemployed due to the lack of demand."