Unremunerated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💸

Add to dictionary

unremunerated

[ˌʌnrɪˈmjuːnəreɪtɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

work

Not receiving any payment or compensation for work done.

Synonyms

uncompensated, unpaid, voluntary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unremunerated	Used in formal or professional settings to describe work or services for which no payment or reward is given. The intern undertook several unremunerated tasks to gain experience. Many charitable activities are performed on an unremunerated basis.
unpaid	Common in everyday language to refer to work or services performed without any payment. It can also imply neglect or oversight in financial transactions. She did an unpaid internship during the summer. His unpaid bills are starting to pile up.
voluntary	Used when someone freely chooses to do something without being forced or paid, often associated with charity or community service. She offered her voluntary services to the community center. The clean-up event is entirely voluntary.
uncompensated	Typically used when emphasizing that a person did not receive payment or reimbursement for their efforts, often in legal or formal discussions. The workers' overtime hours were left uncompensated. He took on many uncompensated responsibilities as part of his role.

Examples of usage

He volunteered for the unremunerated position of treasurer.
She dedicated her time to unremunerated community service.
The unremunerated interns worked tirelessly to gain experience.
The unremunerated work was rewarding in its own way.
Many artists struggle with unremunerated gigs in the beginning of their careers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Societal Implications

Many volunteers work in various sectors, such as healthcare and education, often unremunerated but essential to community welfare.
Internships sometimes offer experience but remain unremunerated, raising discussions about fairness and access for youth.
Unpaid labor, such as caregiving or domestic work, contributes significantly to economies but often goes unrecognized in financial statistics.

Philosophy

Ethics around unremunerated work often revolve around concepts of altruism versus exploitation.
Philosophers debate the moral implications of requiring work without compensation, questioning the value of labor in society.
Some schools of thought promote the idea that fulfillment can come from unremunerated work, emphasizing passion rather than profit.

Literature

Many literary characters perform unremunerated tasks out of love or duty, highlighting themes of sacrifice and loyalty.
In classic literature, the motif of unrecognized effort showcases the tension between ambition and societal values.
Poets often depict unremunerated labor as noble, underpinning romantic ideals of selflessness in service to others.

Psychology

Research shows that those engaged in unremunerated work often report a sense of fulfillment linked to intrinsic motivation.
Psychological studies explore why individuals might choose unremunerated work, including personal satisfaction and community connection.
The lack of financial reward in certain careers, such as the arts, can lead to complex emotional and mental health dynamics.

Origin of 'unremunerated'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English, meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.'
The root 'remunerate' is derived from the Latin 'remunerare,' which means 'to pay back or reward.'
The combination emphasizes a lack of payment or reward for work done.

The word 'unremunerated' is derived from the Latin word 'remuneratus', meaning 'rewarded'. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, so 'unremunerated' literally means 'not rewarded'. The concept of unremunerated work has been prevalent throughout history, particularly in volunteer organizations and charitable causes where individuals contribute their time and effort without financial compensation.