jobless

American  

[job-lis] / ˈdʒɒb lɪs /

adjective

1. without a job.

2. noting or pertaining to people without jobs, especially to those who are seeking employment.

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noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. unemployed people collectively, especially those who are seeking a job.

ˈjobless British  

/ ˈdʒɒblɪs /

adjective

1. 1. unemployed

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the jobless

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Other Word Forms

• joblessness noun

Etymology

Origin of jobless

First recorded in 1800–10; job ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

Recent jobless claims readings show employers are holding on to their staff at stable levels even as businesses navigate uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hiring remains uneven, but layoffs are low and jobless claims are far from flashing recession signals.

From Barron's

The jobs market is not exactly on fire, but companies also are not laying off workers, as the decline in the unemployment rate and Thursday’s report showing a drop in first-time jobless claims attest.

From MarketWatch

Initial jobless claims retreated to the lowest level of the year, a sign that the labor market is finding its feet after weakening last year.

From MarketWatch

U.S. jobless claims fell last week, signaling limited layoffs.

From The Wall Street Journal