Jobless

/ˈdʒɑːbləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Without a job; unemployed.
After the factory closure, many workers found themselves jobless.
Referring to the state of being unemployed.
The economic downturn left a large portion of the population jobless.
Describing someone who is actively seeking employment but currently does not have a job.
She spent months jobless before finally landing an interview.

Etymology

From the word 'job' combined with the suffix '-less'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

jobless recovery:
An economic situation where the economy grows but unemployment remains high.
jobless rate:
The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed.
jobless claims:
Applications for unemployment benefits.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Broke
After losing his job, he was totally broke.
On the bench
She is currently on the bench waiting for a new job offer.