without work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of not having employment or being idle. Example: "After the company downsized, many employees found themselves without work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We went without work.

The New York Times

Without work nothing very good can happen.

Independent

"Now I'm without work," he said.

The New York Times

It's worse than poverty without work.

The New York Times

He was a workaholic without work.

The Guardian

"Without work out here, one is dead".

The New York Times

I am often without work for up to three months.

Independent

These musicians are not likely ever to be without work.

The New Yorker

That flopped quickly, leaving Mr. Philbin without work.

The New York Times - Arts

One in every four Spaniards is without work.

The New York Times

Others arrived because relatives were sick or without work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without work", consider the context. If you need to emphasize the involuntary nature of unemployment, it is a suitable choice. However, in formal contexts, consider using "unemployed" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "without work" when you mean 'without effort'. While conceptually related, "work" in this context specifically refers to employment. Use phrases like "effortlessly" or "without trying" to describe tasks completed with ease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without work" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of unemployment or idleness. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing situations where individuals or groups lack employment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without work" is a common and generally correct way to describe a state of unemployment or idleness. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, but can also appear in scientific and business contexts. While acceptable in most situations, more formal terms like "unemployed" or "jobless" may be preferred in professional or academic writing. When using "without work", be mindful of the context to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning, and consider related phrases like "out of work" or "between jobs" to add nuance. The phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing a lack of employment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jobless

This single word concisely captures the state of not having a job.

unemployed

This term formally describes the condition of actively seeking work but not being currently employed.

out of work

This phrase is a common and direct way to express the state of not being employed.

without a job

A direct and literal way to state the absence of employment.

not working

A simple and straightforward description of lacking employment at a given time.

between jobs

This phrase indicates a temporary state of unemployment while seeking new employment.

between engagements

Similar to 'between jobs', but often used in the context of contracted or project-based work.

seeking employment

Focuses on the active search for work, implying a current lack of employment.

resting

This is a more euphemistic way of expressing being temporarily without work, often used in creative fields.

involuntarily idle

Highlights the lack of work as a state that is not chosen but rather a condition forced upon someone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without work" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using "unemployed" or "jobless". These terms are direct and commonly used in professional settings.

Is it correct to say "without work" instead of "unemployed"?

Yes, "without work" is a correct and understandable phrase. However, "unemployed" is often preferred in formal contexts, as it's a more specific and widely recognized term for the state of not having a job.

What are some less formal ways to say "without work"?

Less formal alternatives include "out of work", "between jobs" (if temporary), or simply "not working".

Can "without work" refer to being retired?

While someone who is retired is technically "without work", the phrase usually implies an involuntary lack of employment. If someone is retired, it's best to use the term "retired" to avoid confusion.