English

Etymology

Originally British government jargon, first attested in the late 1990s. Now spread to Japan and to other countries, albeit with different technical definitions.

NEET

1. Not in employment, education, or training

   quotations

   • "NEET individuals are those who are not studying, either through formal education or training, or employed." — [1]
   • "Ten percent of males and 9% of females were classified as NEET (not in employment education or training). The majority were out of work and looking for a job. One in five females classed as NEET were caring for children and families." — [2]
   • "Kei Kudo, who heads a nonprofit organization tasked with helping young people find jobs, is concerned over the recent upsurge in so-called NEET youths -- young individuals who are not engaged in education, employment, or training." — [3]
   • "The NEET population in 2003, according to a Ministry of Health and Labor estimate last September, was 520,000." — [4]