What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unemployed
Example
He has been unemployed for six months. [unemployed: adjective]
Example
She is actively looking for work after being laid off. [unemployed: adjective]
unoccupied
Example
The house has been unoccupied for years. [unoccupied: adjective]
Example
The meeting room was unoccupied when I arrived. [unoccupied: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unemployed is a more common word than unoccupied in everyday language, as it is a term used frequently in discussions of the job market and social welfare. Unoccupied is less common and is typically used in specific contexts related to real estate or property management.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unemployed and unoccupied?
Unemployed is a more formal word than unoccupied, as it is often used in official documents and discussions of government policies related to employment and social welfare.