empty-handed
Americanadjective
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having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work.
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
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having gained nothing.
to return from a quest empty-handed.
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bringing no gift, donation, etc..
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
adjective
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carrying nothing in the hands
-
having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Etymology
Origin of empty-handed
First recorded in 1605–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2019, North Korea's Kim made the 60-hour train journey home from Hanoi empty-handed after his summit with the US president collapsed.
From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026
He added that Zelensky would not come away from his trip "empty-handed".
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
But his “friend” made sure he left China largely empty-handed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
But he’ll go home early and empty-handed unless fifth-ranked Portugal improves on the listless performance it had in a draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026
Nobody asked him if it was okay Finally, Marv walks in, empty-handed.
From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
