empty-handed

adjective

1. having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work: While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
2. having gained nothing: to return from a quest empty-handed.
3. bringing no gift, donation, etc.: They came to the birthday party empty-handed.

adjective

1. carrying nothing in the hands
2. having gained nothingthey returned from the negotiations empty-handed