What is defined as the total number of people who are not employed?

The total number of people who are not employed is referred to as the level of unemployment. This definition encompasses those individuals who are actively seeking work but are unable to find employment, as well as those who are not participating in the labor force for various reasons. It provides a clear measure of the economic situation regarding job availability and the effectiveness of the job market.

In the context of the other options, while the unemployment rate offers a percentage that relates the number of unemployed to the total labor force, it does not describe the actual number of unemployed individuals. The employment level represents the total number of people who are currently employed, which is a different metric altogether. The labor market refers to the overall environment of job availability and employment conditions, which also does not directly quantify the number of unemployed individuals.

Therefore, the definition of the level of unemployment accurately captures the specific group of individuals who are not currently employed, making it the correct choice.