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Underemployment: meaning, definitions and examples

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underemployment

 

[ˌʌndərɪmˈplɔɪmənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

economics

Underemployment refers to a situation where individuals are working in jobs that are below their skill level or working part-time when they desire full-time work. It can also refer to people who are working in jobs that do not utilize their education or training.

Synonyms

underoccupancy, underuse, underutilization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underemployment

Used to describe a situation where a person has a job that does not fully utilize their skills or where they are working fewer hours than they would like.

  • Despite having a degree in engineering, Tom was facing underemployment as he worked part-time in a café.
  • Underemployment is common in areas with high levels of seasonal work.
underutilization

Often used in professional or technical settings to describe resources or personnel not being used to their full potential or capacity.

  • The underutilization of available technology in the office has led to inefficiencies.
  • Underutilization of skilled workers can have a negative impact on the economy.
underuse

Indicates something not being used to its full capacity or as much as it could or should be.

  • The underuse of the local park has raised concerns among community members.
  • The old gym equipment suffered from underuse and eventually was removed.
underoccupancy

Refers to a situation where a space, often a building or property, is not being used to its full potential or capacity.

  • The underoccupancy of the old warehouse has led to it being repurposed as office space.
  • Council policies aim to reduce underoccupancy in social housing to better allocate resources.

Examples of usage

  • Many college graduates are facing underemployment, working in low-wage jobs that do not require a degree.
  • The underemployment rate in the country has been steadily increasing, leading to concerns about the quality of jobs available.
  • Underemployment can have long-term effects on individuals' career growth and earnings potential.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'under' meaning below or not enough, and 'employment' which refers to having a job.
  • It emerged in the 20th century when economic conditions forced many skilled workers into less demanding roles.

Economic Impact

  • Underemployment can lead to decreased productivity in the economy, as skilled individuals are not utilizing their talents effectively.
  • It often results in lower wages and economic instability for workers, affecting their quality of life.
  • Studies show regions with high underemployment rates may experience slower economic growth.

Psychological Effects

  • Being underemployed can negatively impact a person's self-esteem and job satisfaction.
  • It may lead to feelings of frustration and stress, as individuals feel that they are not achieving their potential.
  • Research suggests a strong link between underemployment and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict characters facing underemployment, highlighting their struggles and aspirations for meaningful work.
  • Popular songs may touch on themes of disillusionment and longing for better job opportunities.

Social Issues

  • Underemployment can disproportionately affect young graduates entering the job market, facing challenges in finding jobs that match their qualifications.
  • Minority groups often face higher rates of underemployment due to systemic barriers in the job market.

Translations

Translations of the word "underemployment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subemprego

🇮🇳 अधूरी बेरोजगारी

🇩🇪 Unterbeschäftigung

🇮🇩 setengah pengangguran

🇺🇦 часткова зайнятість

🇵🇱 niedostateczne zatrudnienie

🇯🇵 不完全雇用 (ふかんぜんこよう)

🇫🇷 sous-emploi

🇪🇸 subempleo

🇹🇷 eksik istihdam

🇰🇷 불완전 고용 (불완전 고용)

🇸🇦 العمالة الناقصة

🇨🇿 podzaměstnanost

🇸🇰 podzamestnanosť

🇨🇳 就业不足 (jiùyè bùzú)

🇸🇮 nezadostna zaposlenost

🇮🇸 undirnýting

🇰🇿 жеткіліксіз жұмысқа орналасу

🇬🇪 მცირე დასაქმება

🇦🇿 tam işsiz

🇲🇽 subempleo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,002, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.