empty-handed

American  

[emp-tee-han-did] / ˈɛmp tiˈhæn dɪd /

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.

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empty-handed British  

adjective

1. carrying nothing in the hands

2. having gained nothing

   they returned from the negotiations empty-handed

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Etymology

Origin of empty-handed

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Instead, the deputy coroner left the scene empty-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal

With few job opportunities in the city, residents hope for a prized find to improve their fortunes - but most come up empty-handed.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Barron's

They reappeared shortly, with muddy hands and knees, breathless and excited to be sure, but empty-handed.

From Literature

Related Words

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