out of work

1. Unemployed; also, having no work to do. For example, He lost his job a year ago and has been out of work ever since, or They don't give her enough assignments—she's always out of work. Shakespeare used this expression in Henry V (1:2): “All out of work and cold for action.”

Example Sentences

The number of striking guild members has also shrunk from about 60 when the walkout began, as many had to find other jobs under the financial strain of being out of work for so long.

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Also in September, Reeves said that young people who have been out of work for 18 months will be given paid placements to help them secure full-time employment.

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“Young people who are out of school and out of work basically need what all young people need,” she said.

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One in five working age people are out of work and not seeking work, according to the review by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield.

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But critics have argued that it would put many lower-skilled workers out of work and force them out of the city.

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