unemployment

noun

un·​em·​ploy·​ment ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-mənt 

1

: the state of being unemployed : involuntary idleness of workers

also : the rate of such unemployment

2

: unemployment compensation

Examples of unemployment in a Sentence

My unemployment lasted about six months.

Unemployment has been increasing for months.

The current unemployment rate is six percent.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, if interest expense continues to outpace income growth while unemployment rises, real wages cool, and delinquencies broaden, the signal will turn from yellow to red. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Headline indicators show low unemployment and moderating inflation, yet perceptions of household finances remain far less upbeat. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

He was encouraged by job gains and the lower unemployment rate — despite higher inflation. — Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unemployment

• anti-unemployment
• unemployment compensation
• unemployment insurance

Rhymes for unemployment

• preemployment
• redeployment
• reemployment
• deployment
• employment
• enjoyment
• underemployment

Kids Definition

unemployment

noun

un·​em·​ploy·​ment ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-mənt 

: the state of being out of work