Underpay - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Underpay means to pay someone less than what is fair, required, or deserved for their work. It often implies unfair compensation and can lead to dissatisfaction or legal issues.
Definition:
To pay someone less than what is fair or required for their work.
Synonyms:
shortchange, undercompensate, cheat, stiff
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
overpay, compensate fairly
Common Collocations:
underpay employees, underpay workers, underpay staff
Derivatives:
underpayment, underpaid
Usage Tips:
Use "underpay" when describing unfair payment practices; often involves wages or salaries below standard rates.
Common Phrases:
underpay the workforce, chronically underpaid, grossly underpaid
Etymology:
Derived from "under-" (below) + "pay," first recorded in the early 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. The company was accused of trying to underpay its interns.
- 2. Many workers feel they are unfairly underpaid for their efforts.
- 3. If you underpay your taxes, you may face penalties later.
- 4. Some employers knowingly underpay migrant laborers due to their vulnerable status.