Underpaid: meaning, definitions and examples

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underpaid

 

[ ʌndərˈpeɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

salary situation

The term 'underpaid' refers to a situation where an individual is compensated with less money than what is deemed fair or appropriate for their work. This often occurs in various professions where individuals feel that their skills, experience, or contributions are not being adequately rewarded. Underpayment can lead to decreased job satisfaction and motivation, and it is a concern in sectors where wages have not kept pace with the cost of living or industry standards. Employees who are underpaid may seek other job opportunities or negotiate for better compensation.

Synonyms

undercompensated, underrewarded, undervalued

Examples of usage

  • Many teachers feel underpaid for their vital work.
  • He left the company because he felt underpaid.
  • Underpaid workers often struggle to make ends meet.
  • The report revealed that nurses are significantly underpaid.

Translations

Translations of the word "underpaid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal pago

🇮🇳 कम वेतन वाला

🇩🇪 unterbezahlt

🇮🇩 dibayar rendah

🇺🇦 недоплачений

🇵🇱 niedopłacony

🇯🇵 低賃金の

🇫🇷 sous-payé

🇪🇸 bajo pagado

🇹🇷 düşük maaşlı

🇰🇷 저임금의

🇸🇦 قليل الأجر

🇨🇿 podplacený

🇸🇰 podplatený

🇨🇳 薪水过低的

🇸🇮 slabo plačan

🇮🇸 láglauna

🇰🇿 төмен жалақы берілген

🇬🇪 დაბალი ხელფასით

🇦🇿 aşağı maaşlı

🇲🇽 bajo pagado

Etymology

The word 'underpaid' is a compound of 'under,' meaning 'less than or below,' and 'paid,' the past participle of 'pay.' The term emerged in the early 20th century as discussions around fair wages and labor rights began to rise, particularly during the labor movements of the 1900s when workers sought better compensation for their efforts. The increasing awareness of economic disparities and the value of work has kept the term relevant in contemporary discussions about wage equality. Its usage has evolved with the context of socio-economic developments and continues to be a critical issue in labor markets today.