Unemployment

Definition

Unemployment refers to the state of being without a paid job while actively seeking work. It is also used to describe the total number or percentage of people in a population who are unemployed.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/
• Respelling: un-im-PLOY-muhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/
• Respelling: un-im-PLOY-muhnt

Etymology

The word "unemployment" originates from the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") combined with "employment," which is derived from Old French "employer" (to use or engage) and ultimately from Latin "implicare" (to involve). It entered the English language in the 17th century to describe the absence of work or joblessness.

Derivatives

• Unemployed (adjective)
• Unemployable (adjective)
• Unemployment rate (noun)
• Unemployment insurance (noun)
• Underemployment (noun)

Synonyms

• Joblessness
• Out-of-work
• Idleness

Antonyms

• Employment
• Work
• Occupation

Usage

The noun "unemployment" is used in economic, social, and political contexts. For example, "The government introduced policies to reduce unemployment rates." It can also refer to individual cases, e.g., "Her period of unemployment lasted six months."

Related Terms

• Employment: The state of being engaged in paid work.
• Underemployment: The condition of being employed in a job that does not fully utilize one's skills or abilities.
• Job market: The availability of employment opportunities.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The state of being unemployed: Refers to an individual's condition of lacking paid work while seeking employment.
  • Example: "He struggled with unemployment after graduating from college."
• The percentage or number of people without jobs in an economy: Refers to statistical measurements used in economic analysis.
  • Example: "The country’s unemployment rate dropped to 5% this year."
• A period of economic stagnation characterized by high joblessness: Refers to historical or societal phenomena.
  • Example: "The Great Depression was marked by widespread unemployment."