Meaning & Definition of word "Unemployment"

Unemployment

/ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

1. The state of being unemployed; the number of people who are able to work but do not have a job.
- Example: The government is trying to reduce unemployment by creating new job opportunities.
2. A situation in which a person who is actively seeking employment is unable to find work.
- Example: High unemployment rates can lead to increased social unrest.
3. The period of time during which a person is without a job.
- Example: After months of unemployment, she finally received a job offer.
4. The economic condition characterized by a high level of joblessness.
- Example: The country is facing severe unemployment due to the recent recession.

The word 'unemployment' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'employment', which derives from the Latin 'implicare' meaning 'to involve'.

unemployment rate:

The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed.

long-term unemployment:

A situation where individuals remain unemployed for an extended period, typically longer than 27 weeks.

youth unemployment:

Unemployment specifically affecting individuals in their late teens and early twenties.

employ:

To give work to someone and pay them for it.

employer:

A person or organization that hires people to work for them.

employee:

A person who is hired to work for another person or organization.

Meaning: On the bench

Example Sentence: After losing his job, he's been on the bench, trying to find new opportunities.

Meaning: Job hunting

Example Sentence: She's been job hunting for months since her last position ended.