empty-handed

adjective

emp·​ty-hand·​ed ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd 

1

: having or bringing nothing

2

: having acquired or gained nothing

came back empty-handed

Examples of empty-handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, as the defamation case edges closer to a verdict, Relli faces the prospect of walking away empty-handed—or worse, financially responsible for tens of thousands in legal fees. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Everyone who was verified was invited to spin the wheel, ensuring a fair shot at winning with no one leaving empty-handed. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

The world watched on television in real time as Reagan refused to cancel his Strategic Defense Initiative and Gorbachev left empty-handed. —Celeste A. Wallander, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025

Two Powerball players picked all the right numbers in Missouri and Texas on Saturday night, but that doesn’t mean that California was left empty-handed. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for empty-handed

• countermanded
• evenhanded
• reprimanded
• underhanded
• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded

Kids Definition

empty-handed

adjective

emp·​ty-hand·​ed

ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd

1

: having nothing in the hands

2

: having acquired or gained nothing

came back empty-handed