unemployment
|un-em-ploy-ment|
B2
/ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
lack of work
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unemployment' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'employment', which comes from Old French 'emploi', meaning 'use or service'.
Historical Evolution
'emploi' transformed into the Middle English word 'employ', and eventually became the modern English word 'employment'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not being in use or service', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being without a job'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state of being without a job despite actively seeking work.
The government is implementing new policies to reduce unemployment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40