empty-handed
Americanadjective
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having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work.
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
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having gained nothing.
to return from a quest empty-handed.
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bringing no gift, donation, etc..
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
adjective
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carrying nothing in the hands
-
having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Etymology
Origin of empty-handed
First recorded in 1605–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To let it slip and finish empty-handed would be cruel, but this is the environment they are operating in.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
“Marty Supreme,” which was nominated for nine awards, went home empty-handed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
“Hamnet,” another strong Oscar contender, didn’t leave empty-handed.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026
Now everything rests on this year's slalom showdown, with the risk that skiing superstars Shiffrin and Vonn both leave Italy empty-handed.
From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026
No matter that her brother would straggle back, empty-handed with his gang and taunt later comers the same way.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
