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

As lively as Leeds were, they still ended up empty-handed, however, and it means they really need something here.

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"We came here fired up to do much more than go home empty-handed."

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Fights broke out over inventory, and many coffee lovers left empty-handed.

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"To come empty-handed to Belem," where the COP30 talks are taking place from November 10 to 21, "would really undermine the EU's credibility," warned an EU diplomat.

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The Manipur-based ZUF dismissed his return as "empty-handed," arguing there is "no reason to glorify an individual who failed the Nagas on all fronts."

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Related Words

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