What does unemployed mean?
“Unemployed” describes someone who does not have a paid job, and the collective phrase “the unemployed” refers to people without employment as a group. The word can be used as an adjective, as in “an unemployed teacher,” or as a plural noun, as in “programs for the unemployed.” It usually means not currently employed rather than permanently unable to work, so the degree and duration of joblessness may need to be stated separately. In public discussion, the term often appears in connection with economic conditions, welfare provision, retraining, and barriers to employment. It is generally neutral in tone, though historical or political uses of “the unemployed” sometimes carry a sense of social exclusion. The related noun “unemployment” names the condition itself, while “unemployed” identifies people who experience that condition.
Not having a job or paid employment.
"Several unemployed graduates attended the career workshop."
The adjective can function predicatively, as in “She is currently unemployed.”
People collectively who do not have jobs.
"Local charities provide food and shelter for the unemployed."
This noun use is a collective plural and normally takes the definite article when referring to a known group.
Used as a collective plural for people without jobs; there is no separate singular form.
"The unemployed faced several difficult months after the plant closed."
Unlike many workplace terms, “unemployed” says exactly what it means: without employment, and therefore without an employer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unemployed come from?
The word is formed in English by combining the prefix “un-,” meaning “not,” with “employed,” meaning “having a job or work.” “Employ” came into English through French from Latin, where its meaning developed around putting someone to work or making use of someone’s services. The prefixed form “unemployed” developed alongside the growth of industrial employment and the modern distinction between people who work for wages and those who do not.
Related word forms
How unemployed is actually used
The adjective is standard in both formal and informal contexts. It indicates a current lack of employment but does not necessarily imply long-term joblessness. As a collective noun, “the unemployed” is usually treated as plural and can refer to a whole group without implying that its members have identical circumstances.
Easily confused with unemployed
“Unemployed” describes a person or group without a job, whereas “unemployment” names the condition or situation of having no work.