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
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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.
For three weeks now, they have returned empty handed.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
They will need to keep players off the treatment table if they are to claim silverware this term, a problem which contributed to finishing 2024-25 empty handed.
From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026
In the final hours, Paramount upped its offer to $30 per share — but still came away empty handed.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025
Atwood went home empty handed that evening but has won four Oscars and received 12 nominations.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2025
Once he saw me empty handed, we both could relax a little.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
