työttömiksi

Työttömiksi is a Finnish grammatical form used to express a change of state into unemployment. It is the translative form of the adjective työtön (unemployed) and is typically used with the verb tulla (to become). In standard constructions, you say tuli työttömäksi for a singular subject, and tulivat työttömiksi for a plural subject, to indicate that someone or some people have become unemployed.

Usage notes: The phrase signals a transition into the state of unemployment rather than describing a current condition. It can be used with individuals or groups and appears in everyday speech as well as in journalism, statistics, and policy discussions about labor markets and welfare.

Examples:

- Hän tuli työttömäksi. (He became unemployed.)

- Heistä tulivat työttömiksi. (They became unemployed.)

Relation to other terms: Työttömiksi contrasts with työttömyys, the noun meaning unemployment as a state or condition. Työttömiksi focuses on the action of becoming unemployed, often within narratives about career changes, economic challenges, or social policy.

Context: The form is a routine feature of Finnish grammar and is commonly encountered in personal accounts, news reporting, and formal texts discussing unemployment. It is neutral in tone, suitable for both descriptive and analytical writing about labor market dynamics.