jobless

[job-lis]

adjective

1. without a job.

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

noun

(used with a plural verb)

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

ˈjobless

/ ˈdʒɒblɪs /

adjective

1. 1. unemployed

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the jobless

Other Word Forms

• joblessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jobless¹

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

Example Sentences

People file jobless claims when they lose a job and want to receive unemployment benefits.

Read more on MarketWatch

Putting businesses into a two-year bind crafted by uninformed arbitrators risks destroying companies and leaving employees jobless.

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"The latest GDP and jobless claims data should ease the bout of anxiety kicked off by the weak August jobs report."

Read more on BBC

In Angola's main cities, the many jobless young people, who are no longer in school, highlight the state's difficulty in meeting their aspirations.

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Many players rendered jobless will be re-signed to practice squads that can be formed as early as Wednesday morning.

Read more on Los Angeles Times