# neet

/ˈnit/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neet
Updated: 2026-10-20

## Definition

Stands for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. A young person who has no job and is not in school or job training.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. A young person outside education, employment, or vocational training, typically discussed in labour-market and education policy.

## Examples

- He is a NEET looking for his first job.
- After leaving college, she spent a year as a NEET before joining a training programme.
- Policy reports warn that prolonged periods as a NEET can reduce long-term earnings and weaken ties to the labour market.

## Usage notes

- Usually capitalised as NEET; plural adds -s (NEETs).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.