English · Work & Business
unemployment
/ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/
[/ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/]
lack of jobs
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The state of not having a job, or the number of people in a country who do not have paid work.
Example
During the recession, unemployment rose sharply as many companies were forced to cut staff.
During the recession, unemployment rose sharply as many companies were forced to cut staff.
Etymology
Formed from the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'employment', first used in the late 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
A key economic indicator discussed in news and policy.