empty-handed

[emp-tee-han-did]

adjective

1. having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work.

   While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.

2. having gained nothing.

   to return from a quest empty-handed.

3. bringing no gift, donation, etc..

   They came to the birthday party empty-handed.

empty-handed

adjective

1. carrying nothing in the hands

2. having gained nothing

   they returned from the negotiations empty-handed

Word History and Origins

Origin of empty-handed¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Related Words

• destitute 
• impoverished 
• indigent 
• low 
• meager 
• needy 
• penniless 
• poverty-stricken 
• underprivileged