unemployment ratenoun [ C ]
ukusECONOMICSthe number or percentage of people in a country or area who do not have jobs:
Britain's unemployment rate inched up last month amid weakening job growth.
Across Tennessee, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in March to 4.3% in April.
a 1.5%/5.7%/10%, etc. unemployment rate
the unemployment rate rises/climbs/edges upward The unemployment rate is forecast to rise to 6.1% over the next 12 months.
the unemployment rate falls/drops/dips Germany's unemployment rate fell to 11.2% in December, from 11.4% in November.
the unemployment rate stands at/holds steady at/remains unchanged The unemployment rate held steady at a low 4.5%.