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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• joblessness noun

Etymology

Origin of jobless

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

Example Sentences

Despite the lackluster growth in recent economic activity, the labor market has remained quite tight, Capital Economics chief Europe economist Andrew Kenningham said in a note to clients after the jobless data.

From The Wall Street Journal

Federal Reserve officials have signaled in recent months that they’re carefully monitoring the jobless rate.

From Barron's

Federal Reserve officials have signaled in recent months that they’re carefully monitoring the jobless rate.

From Barron's

In December, the jobless rate is expected to slip to 4.5% or even a touch lower.

From MarketWatch

Germany’s unemployment rate held steady in the last month of 2025, though actual jobless numbers inched higher, signaling an economy that still lacks momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal