What term refers to the state of being without paid work?

The term that refers to the state of being without paid work is "unemployment." This concept specifically describes individuals who are actively seeking employment but are currently unable to find a job. Unemployment is a key indicator of economic health and can have significant social and personal implications for those affected.

In contrast, "joblessness" may seem closely related but is often used more broadly to refer to individuals who are either unemployed or not in the labor force at all, which can include people who are not seeking work for various reasons. "Underemployment" refers to individuals who are working but not in their desired capacity or in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills and education, indicating that they are not fully employed even though they have a job. "Self-employment" describes a situation where individuals work for themselves rather than being employed by someone else, which is not applicable in the context of being without paid work. Therefore, "unemployment" correctly encapsulates the state of being without paid work while actively seeking employment.