Underemployment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
underemployment
[หสndษrษชmหplษษชmษnt ]
Definition
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?
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.
|
underutilization |
Often used in professional or technical settings to describe resources or personnel not being used to their full potential or capacity.
|
underuse |
Indicates something not being used to its full capacity or as much as it could or should be.
|
underoccupancy |
Refers to a situation where a space, often a building or property, is not being used to its full potential or capacity.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'underemployment'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'underemployment' originated in the United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s. It was used to describe the situation where individuals were working in jobs that did not fully utilize their skills or education due to a lack of available opportunities. Since then, underemployment has become a common phenomenon in many countries, especially during economic downturns or periods of slow job growth. The impact of underemployment on individuals and the economy as a whole has been a topic of research and policy discussions.
See also: employ, employed, employee, employees, employer, employing, employment, misemploy, unemployed, unemployment.
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.
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- 23999 corroborating
- 24000 degenerating
- 24001 catalyze
- 24002 underemployment
- 24003 quarantined
- 24004 panelled
- 24005 anemic
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