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العربية
بَطالة — meaning in English: unemployment
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unemployment
عُزلة
غُروب الشَّمْس
حِمار
بَطالة
ظُلمة ات
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word بَطالة in discussions about employment issues, particularly during economic downturns or in job market analyses. For instance, you might hear it used in a conversation about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on job availability in a cafe setting or in a political debate regarding government policies aimed at reducing unemployment rates.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to بَطالة is عَطالة, which also means 'unemployment.' However, بَطالة is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while عَطالة might appear in more formal contexts or written texts. Choosing بَطالة might be preferable when discussing current events or personal situations, making it feel more relatable.
Culture
The word بَطالة has its roots in the Arabic verb بَطَل, which means 'to be idle' or 'to cease to work.' It reflects not only the economic challenge faced by many but also the social stigma associated with being unemployed in Arab cultures, where work often defines one's status and identity. Interestingly, the Arab Spring uprisings were partly fueled by high بَطالة rates, highlighting its significant role in societal movements.
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