失業 (shitsugyō) means “unemployment” | MotiTan Japanese Dictionary

More examples

父の会社が倒産し、父は突然失業しました。chichi no gai sha ga tō san shi chichi wa totsu zen shitsu gyō shi ma shi ta

My father's company went bankrupt, and he suddenly became unemployed.

Describes the state of being without a job after losing employment, often while seeking new work.

無職mushoku: Being without paid work or a regular occupation.
失職shisshoku: Losing one's job or official position.

職を失い、仕事に就いていない状態。shoku o ushina i shi goto ni tsu i te i na i jō tai

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 失 (shitsu, "loss") and 業 (gyō, "work or occupation") to form 失業 (shitsugyō), referring to the loss of one's work.

In news and economic discussions, 失業 (shitsugyō) often appears as a broad social issue, while everyday conversation can use it for one person's current lack of work.