underpaid — receiving less money for work than is considered fair or adequate
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: receiving less money for work than is considered fair or adequate
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈpeɪd/
Example Sentences
- The superhero complained that saving the world was an underpaid job with terrible working hours.
- Nurses are often underpaid despite their crucial role in healthcare.
- He realized he was underpaid when his pet goldfish got a better allowance than his salary.
underpaid
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʌndərˈpeɪd/]
receiving less money for work than is considered fair or adequate

The nurse works double shifts but stays underpaid every month.

Wages displayed, promotion delayed - underpaid!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound word formed from the English preposition 'under' (meaning beneath or below) and the past participle 'paid' (from the verb 'pay'). The term emerged during the Industrial Revolution to describe workers receiving wages below a fair or adequate standard, gaining widespread usage alongside labor rights movements.
Breakdown
under- (beneath, below a standard) + paid (past participle of 'pay', meaning remunerated or compensated). The compound denotes compensation below an appropriate or living wage level.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The superhero complained that saving the world was an underpaid job with terrible working hours.”
“Nurses are often underpaid despite their crucial role in healthcare.”
“He realized he was underpaid when his pet goldfish got a better allowance than his salary.”
“Many social workers feel underpaid for the demanding nature of their work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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