What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idle
Example
He was idle all day and didn't do anything productive. [idle: adjective]
Example
The factory had an idle machine that needed repair. [idle: noun]
Example
The office was idle during the weekend. [idle: adjective]
unemployed
Example
She has been unemployed for six months and is looking for a job. [unemployed: adjective]
Example
The unemployment rate in the city has increased due to the pandemic. [unemployment: noun]
Example
The company had to lay off some employees, leaving them unemployed. [unemployed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unemployed is more commonly used than idle in everyday language. Unemployed is a specific term used to describe a person without a job, while idle is a more general term used to describe a lack of activity or work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idle and unemployed?
Unemployed is a more formal term than idle. It is often used in official documents and reports, while idle is more commonly used in casual conversation.
