Unemployment refers to the condition of being without work, typically when someone is actively seeking employment but is unable to find a job. It is a measure of the number of people who are willing and able to work but do not have a job. Unemployment is an important economic indicator as it reflects the health of the labor market and the overall economy. High levels of unemployment can lead to social and economic problems, such as poverty, crime, and decreased consumer spending. Governments often implement policies to reduce unemployment, such as job training programs, tax incentives for businesses, and unemployment benefits for those who are out of work.