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

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, experts have looked everywhere from lagoons to abandoned silver mines and still come up empty-handed.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, the Hispanic Caucus emerged from the meeting empty-handed.

From The Daily Beast

The mission was unsuccessful as he returned home “empty-handed.”

From The Daily Beast

After intensive coverage on both, most reporters and partisan investigators came away empty-handed.

From The Daily Beast

Coming up empty-handed for conservatives on both would have broader ramifications.

From The Daily Beast

An hour passed, and it was growing dark when Weston scrambled up the hillside empty-handed.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew that those Ducks would not come back again that night, and that once more he must go home empty-handed.

From Project Gutenberg

They all seemed to enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not empty-handed either.

From Project Gutenberg

He always returned empty-handed, and Nannie watched with an impish smile from an upper window.

From Project Gutenberg

Frequently the hunters came home empty-handed or bringing only small game.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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