Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɜːrkləsnəs/
KK: /ˈwɜrkləsnəs/
Definition
The condition of not having a job or being unemployed.
Example
The rise in worklessness has become a major concern for the government.
Conversation

Have you noticed the rise in worklessness around our town lately?

Yeah, it's really sad to see so many people struggling to find jobs.

I think it affects the community in so many ways.

Absolutely, it creates a lot of challenges for everyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unemployment
idleness
joblessness
Antonyms
employment
engagement
activity
Root Explanation
Worklessness → It is formed from "work" (from Old English *weorc*, meaning physical or mental effort) and "-lessness" (meaning without). The word "worklessness" refers to the state of being without work or employment.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'without' ('-lessness') the effort or activity of 'work' — that's what worklessness means.
Visually Confused Words
wordlessness
worthlessness
woodlessness
wirelessness
socklessness
recklessness
hornlessness
formlessness