empty-handed

[ emp-tee-han-did ]

adjective

1. having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work:

   While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.

2. having gained nothing:

   to return from a quest empty-handed.

3. bringing no gift, donation, etc.:

   They came to the birthday party empty-handed.

empty-handed

adjective

1. carrying nothing in the hands
2. having gained nothing

   they returned from the negotiations empty-handed

Word History and Origins

Origin of empty-handed¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

They were heading home empty-handed when data from a previous day of exploration, which had originally been unreadable, was finally cleaned up.

From Los Angeles Times

First, it provides something of value to everyone who plays, even if all but one contestant walks away empty-handed.

From Los Angeles Times

And the prime minister did not come empty-handed.

From BBC

Some left town for Midwest industrial towns, but came home empty-handed, and felt shame at that.

From Salon

In the blink of an eye, the team had gone from a spot on the medal podium to leaving the Summer Games empty-handed for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• destitute
• impoverished
• indigent
• low
• meager
• needy
• penniless
• poverty-stricken
• underprivileged