Underpaid

The adjective 'underpaid' describes a situation where someone receives less money for their work or services than is considered fair or adequate. It implies a discrepancy between the value of the work performed and the compensation received. Factors contributing to being underpaid can include employer policies, industry standards, economic conditions, and the employee's negotiating power. Being underpaid often leads to financial strain, decreased motivation, and feelings of being undervalued. This can be a significant issue in various industries and affects individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Underpaid meaning with examples

• The research team felt underpaid for their innovative work on the project. They consistently exceeded expectations, but their salaries didn't reflect their contributions. They were considering seeking employment at competing firms that offered a more competitive compensation package. They believed that their value, skills and expertise were significantly undervalued by their current employer.
• Despite her years of experience and dedication, the teacher was underpaid. She often spent her own money to purchase classroom supplies and felt like the school district didn't respect the hard work she provided to her students. Her work was impactful but her salary was lower than new hires with fewer years of experience. She was frustrated.
• The artist, though celebrated for his creative talent, was often underpaid for his work. His galleries rarely provided financial compensation for his time. His paintings were of high-quality but the value didn't match. Consequently, he struggled to make a sustainable living from his artistic endeavors, and he needed a secondary source of income to support himself.
• Entry-level employees in the tech startup were frequently underpaid compared to industry averages. They were often working long hours in exchange for low compensation. The owners took advantage of this imbalance. The management's strategy was to leverage passion over compensation. Turnover was predictably high.
• The essential workers during the pandemic were significantly underpaid for their work in hospitals and other important roles. They risked their lives on a daily basis. The pay that they were given didn't reflect their contributions and sacrifices. The public initially showed great appreciation but this did not translate into economic rewards.