out of work

Meaning

This phrase means to be unemployed or without a job. It is a very common, neutral way to describe someone's employment status when they do not currently have a job but are typically looking for one.

Examples

• He has been out of work for six months since the factory closed.

  He has been out of work for six months since the factory closed.

• Many people found themselves out of work during the economic downturn.

  Many people found themselves out of work during the economic downturn.

• It is tough being out of work when you have a family to support.

  It is tough being out of work when you have a family to support.

• She is currently out of work, but she has a few interviews lined up next week.

  She is currently out of work, but she has a few interviews lined up next week.

• The government is offering training programs for those who are out of work.

  The government is offering training programs for those who are out of work.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is out of the work.

  ✓ He is out of work.

  Do not use the definite article 'the' in this expression. It is always 'out of work'.

• ✗ My computer is out of work.

  ✓ My computer is out of order.

  'Out of work' only applies to people who are unemployed. For broken machines or equipment, use 'out of order' or 'not working'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After the company downsized, hundreds of employees were left ___.

  💡 unemployed

  Show answer

  out of work

• It's hard to pay rent when you are ___.

  💡 without a job

  Show answer

  out of work