EconLearn
AP MacroeconomicsEconomic Indicators & Data

Seasonal Unemployment

Seasonal unemployment is joblessness that recurs at certain times of year because demand for some work rises and falls with the seasons.

Examples include ski instructors in summer or retail workers after the holidays. Official unemployment data are often 'seasonally adjusted' to remove these predictable swings and reveal the underlying trend.

Related terms

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, EconLearn.