Antonyms for the phrase "being gainfully employed" are those that refer to lack of work or unemployment. These antonyms include words and phrases like jobless, out of work, laid off, idle, unoccupied, and unemployed. They all signify the absence of regular employment or the inability to secure consistent income-generating opportunities. The opposite of being gainfully employed also encompasses underemployment, where someone is working but in a role that does not fully utilize their skills, and is often not earning sufficient income. In today's economy, with rising automation and a workforce that continues to evolve, it is crucial to highlight the importance of finding meaningful work and the potential consequences for those who are unable to.