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
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Most of it is pretty pedestrian, like not showing up to someone’s house empty-handed, following up with a thank you after someone took the time to host you, or taking off your shoes before entering someone’s house.
—
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2024
The 2022 Academy Award went to The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which was up for three of the guild’s awards that year but went home empty-handed.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
But as for Koala’s cause of death, scientists are coming up empty-handed.
—Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024
Great House Guest Etiquette Never arrive empty-handed.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024
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Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2024
The 2022 Academy Award went to The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which was up for three of the guild’s awards that year but went home empty-handed.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
But as for Koala’s cause of death, scientists are coming up empty-handed.
—Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024
Great House Guest Etiquette Never arrive empty-handed.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for empty-handed
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Cite this Entry
“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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