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

And initial jobless claims, a sign of layoffs, have been remarkably low.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The eurozone’s jobless rate edged higher in February, coming off a record low at the start of the year, ahead of the inflation shock and uncertainty prompted by the conflict in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Data on initial jobless claims are due at 8:30 a.m.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

The dollar rose as U.S. jobless claims increased slightly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

They are told to wait and wait for Mr. Right even if that means, in a jobless ghetto, never having children at all.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander