jobless

American  

[job-lis] / ˈdʒɒb lɪs /

adjective

1. without a job.

2. noting or pertaining to people without jobs, especially to those who are seeking employment.

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noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. unemployed people collectively, especially those who are seeking a job.

ˈjobless British  

/ ˈdʒɒblɪs /

adjective

1. 1. unemployed

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the jobless

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Other Word Forms

• joblessness noun

Etymology

Origin of jobless

First recorded in 1800–10; job ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

The jobless rate shouldn’t change much, economists say, if the labor force isn’t really growing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The eurozone’s jobless rate edged higher in February, coming off a record low at the start of the year, ahead of the inflation shock and uncertainty prompted by the conflict in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The latest jobless claims data is also due.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The Fed knows raising rates won’t create more oil supply, and are unlikely to hike when the jobless level keeps trending higher, he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

But Mom is doing okay, for a jobless person.

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee