Underpaying: meaning, definitions and examples
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underpaying
[ ˌʌndərˈpeɪɪŋ ]
economic situation
Underpaying refers to the act of compensating someone less than they deserve for their work or services. This practice can lead to dissatisfaction among employees and may foster a negative workplace environment. It is often a reflection of broader economic inequalities and can perpetuate cycles of poverty. In many industries, underpaying workers can result in high turnover rates and a lack of skilled labor. Addressing underpayment is crucial for promoting fairness and equity in the workplace.
Synonyms
skimp, undercompensate, undervalue
Examples of usage
- The company was criticized for underpaying its workers.
- Many teachers feel they are underpaying compared to their contributions.
- Underpaying can have serious repercussions for employee morale.
Translations
Translations of the word "underpaying" in other languages:
🇵🇹 subpagar
🇮🇳 कम वेतन देना
🇩🇪 unterbezahlen
🇮🇩 membayar kurang
🇺🇦 недоплачувати
🇵🇱 niedopłacanie
🇯🇵 過少支払い
🇫🇷 sous-payer
🇪🇸 pagar menos
🇹🇷 düşük ödeme
🇰🇷 저임금 지급
🇸🇦 دفع أقل
🇨🇿 podplácení
🇸🇰 nedoplácanie
🇨🇳 支付不足
🇸🇮 podplačevanje
🇮🇸 lág laun
🇰🇿 төмен жалақы төлеу
🇬🇪 ნაკლები ანაზღაურება
🇦🇿 az ödəniş
🇲🇽 pagar menos
Etymology
The term 'underpay' has roots in the combination of the prefix 'under-' and the verb 'pay.' The prefix 'under-' comes from Old English 'under,' meaning 'beneath' or 'lower than,' indicating a deficiency or lack. The verb 'pay' originates from the Latin 'pacare,' meaning 'to appease' or 'to satisfy,' which transitioned into Middle English as 'paien.' The fusion of these terms in the English language reflects a growing awareness of labor rights and economic disparities, particularly in the context of industrialization and labor movements during the 19th and 20th centuries. As societies evolved, discussions around fair compensation became pivotal in debates over workers' rights, leading to the formal recognition of concepts like minimum wage and living wage. This historical backdrop underscores the socio-economic implications of underpaying in various industries.