empty-handed
Americanadjective
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having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work.
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
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having gained nothing.
to return from a quest empty-handed.
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bringing no gift, donation, etc..
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
adjective
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carrying nothing in the hands
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having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Etymology
Origin of empty-handed
First recorded in 1605–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, walked out of his office empty-handed.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026
In SpaceX’s case, the bankers on the deal, led by Goldman Sachs along with Morgan Stanley, and together with the company pick which investors may buy shares and who walks away empty-handed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” “Jean Smart isn’t going to win this award four straight times and then go home empty-handed for the final season of ‘Hacks.’
From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026
Americans and Iranians faced each other across a conference table in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, but came away empty-handed.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
Cat wasn’t sure if fish were shy or stubborn, but some mornings she and Macon came away empty-handed, even after spending hours at the pier.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
