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Underpaid - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

underpaid

/ˌʌndərˈpeɪd/ /ˌʌndəˈpeɪd/

Definition:

Paid less than what is fair or deserved for work done.

Synonyms:

undercompensated, poorly paid, low-paid, exploited

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

overpaid, well-paid

Common Collocations:

underpaid workers, feel underpaid, grossly underpaid, chronically underpaid

Derivatives:

underpayment, underpaying

Usage Tips:

Use "underpaid" to describe workers who earn unfairly low wages compared to their effort or market standards.

Common Phrases:

feel underpaid, grossly underpaid, chronically underpaid

Etymology:

Derived from "under-" (insufficient) + "paid," first recorded in the early 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. Many teachers are underpaid despite their hard work.
  • 2. She quit her job because she felt underpaid and undervalued.
  • 3. Underpaid employees often struggle to make ends meet.
  • 4. The report highlighted how nurses are frequently underpaid worldwide.

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