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Unrewarding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unrewarding

[หŒสŒnrษชหˆwษ”หdษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

work environment

Not giving satisfaction or a sense of achievement; not rewarding

Synonyms

thankless, ungratifying, unsatisfying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unrewarding

Unrewarding is used when referring to tasks or activities that do not provide the expected benefits or satisfaction. It emphasizes the lack of reward or positive outcome.

  • She found her job at the call center unrewarding despite her best efforts.
  • Volunteering can sometimes feel unrewarding if there's no visible impact.
thankless

Thankless is often used to describe tasks or roles where the effort is not acknowledged or appreciated by others. It carries a negative connotation.

  • Parenting can sometimes be a thankless job, especially during tough phases.
  • Cleaning the office is a thankless task, but someone has to do it.
ungratifying

Ungratifying describes situations or activities that do not bring personal pleasure or fulfillment. It focuses more on internal feelings of dissatisfaction.

  • Despite his high salary, he found his corporate job ungratifying.
  • The project was ungratifying because it lacked any creative aspect.
unsatisfying

Unsatisfying can be used when something fails to meet oneโ€™s desires or expectations. It emphasizes a sense of incomplete fulfillment.

  • The movie was unsatisfying; it didn't live up to the hype.
  • The meal was unsatisfying, leaving him still hungry afterward.

Examples of usage

  • It can be demoralizing to work in an unrewarding environment.
  • She found the job unrewarding and decided to look for a new opportunity.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often feel unmotivated when faced with unrewarding tasks, leading to increased procrastination and disengagement.
  • Repeated experiences of unrewarding activities can result in learned helplessness, where individuals feel they cannot improve their situation.
  • Perceived lack of reward can trigger stress and anxiety, impacting mental health and overall well-being.

Workplace Culture

  • Many employees cite unfulfilling roles as a primary reason for leaving jobs, emphasizing the need for meaningful work.
  • Organizations that fail to reward employees adequately can experience lower morale and higher turnover rates.
  • Practicing recognition and reward can significantly enhance job satisfaction and motivation among team members.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face unrewarding journeys that reflect deeper themes of existentialism and the futility of life.
  • Classic novels frequently explore the tension between effort and reward, showcasing protagonists in unfulfilling roles.
  • The theme of unrewarding pursuits can often lead to character development, showcasing resilience or the quest for meaning.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often highlight contestants' unrewarding experiences, showcasing the emotional toll of competition.
  • Many popular songs touch on themes of unreciprocated love, paralleling the concept of unrewarding attachments.
  • Social media discussions frequently highlight the contrast between the pursuit of status and the lack of real-life rewards.

Origin of 'unrewarding'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means not, so 'unrewarding' means not rewarding.
  • The word 'reward' stems from Old French 'rewarder,' which means to give, recompense, or compensate.
  • 'Rewarding' originally came from the Latin word 'rewardare', emphasizing the act of giving something back.

The word 'unrewarding' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'rewarding', which comes from the Old French word 're- + warder' meaning 'to guard, protect, reward'. The term 'unrewarding' emerged in the late 19th century to describe situations or tasks that do not provide a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment.

See also: reward, rewarding, rewardingly, rewards, unrewarded.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,299 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.