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
The New York Rangers’ quartet of U.S. team members from the 4 Nations tournament came home empty-handed — and, in Vincent Trocheck’s case, banged up.
—
Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Investigators searched the historic property, located near L.A.’s Skid Row, but came up empty-handed.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Although the startup will offer refunds to users who purchased the device after November 15, 2024, early adopters are left empty-handed.
—Dimitar 'mix' Mihov, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The Academy Award went to Poor Things, which was up for two of the guild’s awards but went home empty-handed.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
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Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Investigators searched the historic property, located near L.A.’s Skid Row, but came up empty-handed.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Although the startup will offer refunds to users who purchased the device after November 15, 2024, early adopters are left empty-handed.
—Dimitar 'mix' Mihov, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The Academy Award went to Poor Things, which was up for two of the guild’s awards but went home empty-handed.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
Articles Related to empty-handed
Cite this Entry
“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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