empty-handed
|emp-ty-hand-ed|
/ˌɛmptiˈhændɪd/
without anything gained / hands empty
Etymology
'empty-handed' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'empty' and 'handed', where 'empty' comes from Old English 'ǣmtig' meaning 'void, vacant' and 'handed' is formed from 'hand' + the adjective-forming suffix '-ed'.
'empty-handed' changed from earlier English compounds combining 'empty' (Old English 'ǣmtig') and 'hand/handed' and was used in Middle to Early Modern English as a literal phrase ('with empty hands') before becoming the fixed adjective/idiom 'empty-handed'.
Initially, it meant 'with the hands empty' (literal), but over time it evolved into the idiomatic sense 'without obtaining or achieving what was sought'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
failing to obtain or bring back what was hoped for or sought; without success.
After hours of searching the market, they came away empty-handed.
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Adjective 2
literally having the hands empty; not carrying or holding anything (neutral, physical description).
He stood at the door empty-handed, holding nothing.
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Last updated: 2025/09/07 07:59