noun

unemployment

unemployment

Unemployment is a major social issue.

Unemployment is a major social issue.

He received unemployment benefits for six months.

He received unemployment benefits for six months.

((unemployment)) the state of being unemployed The government is trying to reduce unemployment.

Synonyms: joblessness; Antonyms: employment

From the prefix 'un-' (not) + 'employ' (to give work to) + '-ment' (a state or condition). It literally means the state of not being employed.

Think of the prefix 'un-' as meaning 'not'. So, unemployment is the state of 'not' having employment.

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