失业
shīyè · HSK 4
lose one's job
失 = lose + 业 = profession/work
失 means lose (as in 失败 fail) and 业 means occupation or trade (as in 职业 profession). Together: lose your occupation — unemployment.
业 — top 业 (originally a notched board)
Originally a pictograph of a notched wooden board hung in ancient classrooms or temples to support bells and chimes. The notches inspired meanings of 'work' and 'profession,' as such boards were tools of trade and study. Today it means business, occupation, or undertaking.