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
But while the hallways look full and the display windows are brightly lit and well-stocked, many people enter and leave empty-handed.
—
Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
For now, the beagles are still inside, and the people who traveled to Blue Mounds to get them out went home empty-handed.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
America walked away empty-handed.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Despite Vance departing Pakistan empty-handed, the mediators are still working to keep open channels of communication between the United States and Iran.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
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Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
For now, the beagles are still inside, and the people who traveled to Blue Mounds to get them out went home empty-handed.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
America walked away empty-handed.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Despite Vance departing Pakistan empty-handed, the mediators are still working to keep open channels of communication between the United States and Iran.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empty-handed
Cite this Entry
“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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