Which type of unemployment refers to individuals who are temporarily not working but are actively looking for jobs?

The identification of the type of unemployment whereby individuals are temporarily not working but are actively searching for jobs aligns with frictional unemployment. This form of unemployment typically occurs when individuals are transitioning between jobs, entering the workforce for the first time, or re-entering after an absence. It reflects the time taken for job seekers to find a suitable position that matches their skills and preferences.

Frictional unemployment is a normal and expected part of a dynamic economy, as it indicates that employees have the freedom to leave positions they are dissatisfied with or that no longer suit their needs, thereby allowing for better job matching over time. This factor contributes to the overall efficiency of labor markets, as it enables individuals to seek opportunities that better align with their career objectives or personal circumstances.

The other types of unemployment mentioned—cyclical, structural, and seasonal—represent different causes and conditions affecting the job market, but they do not describe individuals who are temporarily out of work while actively seeking new employment in the way that frictional unemployment does.