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
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
See all Example Sentences for empty-handed 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Articles Related to empty-handed
Dictionary Entries Near empty-handed
Cite this Entry
“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share