Under-compensated

Describing someone or something that is not paid or rewarded fairly for their work, effort, or value. This often implies a disparity between the contribution made and the remuneration received. It can apply to various situations, including salaries, services, or investments where the return is less than what is deserved or expected. The implication is that the individual or entity providing the work is not receiving the full benefit of their labor, skill, or resources, potentially leading to demotivation, dissatisfaction, or economic hardship. The assessment of whether someone is 'under-compensated' often involves subjective judgment and is based on factors such as market rates, experience, skills, and the specific nature of the work being performed.

Under-compensated meaning with examples

• The dedicated nurses in the public health sector often feel under-compensated, especially considering the demanding hours and emotional toll of their work, which in turn leads to burnout. Their tireless commitment to patient care is routinely undervalued when compared to corporate jobs with less demand. This lack of fair recognition can lead to high turnover rates within hospitals.
• Despite her exceptional programming skills, Sarah felt under-compensated at her startup. Her salary was significantly lower than the industry average for developers with her experience. The constant financial pressures and lack of acknowledgement for her work in pushing important deadlines meant she started actively seeking out opportunities in other firms.
• The artist felt under-compensated for the commission, despite the amount being agreed upon, because the time and effort involved in creating the detailed mural far exceeded the initial estimate. The client did not value the expertise or recognize the level of craftsmanship involved, leading to a sense of exploitation. She now requires a non-refundable deposit for any large commission.
• Many freelancers are under-compensated for their work, especially when working with clients who aren't entirely familiar with the scope of their work. They often face issues such as scope creep, which can dramatically change the hours needed to complete a project. This makes it difficult to accurately estimate costs and can result in a loss of earnings.