B1idiomworkIELTS-friendly
out of work
USUK
without a job, especially when you want one
Neutral and common in news. 'Out of a job' means the same; 'unemployed' is more formal.
In context
My uncle was out of work for six months after the factory in Binh Duong closed.
Thousands of tour guides were out of work during the pandemic.
Common mistake
Incorrect: He has been out of job for six months.
Correct: He has been out of work for six months.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money