What is unemployment defined as?

Unemployment is defined as individuals who are unable to find jobs despite their willingness to work. This definition focuses on those who are actively seeking employment but are currently without a job. It recognizes the efforts of these individuals to join the labor force and highlights the disconnect between their desire for work and the availability of jobs.

The other options represent different situations that do not fit the definition of unemployment. Individuals employed part-time seeking full-time work are typically considered underemployed rather than unemployed, as they are still engaged in some form of work. Those who are retired have withdrawn from the labor force entirely and do not seek employment, so they cannot be classified as unemployed. Lastly, individuals not actively seeking employment are not considered unemployed, as the definition requires active job searching to qualify for unemployment status. Thus, the answer encapsulates the essential characteristics of unemployment in the labor market.