The adjective 'underreimbursed' describes a situation where someone or something has received insufficient financial compensation for expenses incurred, services provided, or damages suffered. This implies that the reimbursement received falls short of the actual costs or the fair market value of the goods or services. The term highlights a sense of financial disadvantage or unfairness, where the individual or entity has not been made whole financially due to incomplete compensation. It often applies in contexts such as insurance claims, employee expenses, or contractual agreements. It directly addresses a deficit between what was spent or deserved and what was recovered.
Underreimbursed meaning with examples
- After the hurricane, many homeowners felt underreimbursed by their insurance companies, as the payouts didn't cover the full cost of repairs. The stringent requirements and low valuations caused widespread frustration. They had to use personal savings, which were not intended for this, leading to financial hardship and leaving them unable to restore their homes properly.
- The freelance writer argued that she was underreimbursed for the extensive research and time she dedicated to the project. Her contract stated payment at a certain rate, but the complex nature of the work required far more time. When submitting her expenses for the project, she realized the rate was not in line with the effort and value of the services provided.
- The employees felt underreimbursed for their travel expenses, particularly due to the soaring costs of flights and hotels. Despite careful submission of receipts, reimbursements didn't fully reflect the true out-of-pocket cost. Their expense reports continually came up short, impacting their budgets, and the overall morale regarding company travel policies.
- The non-profit organization was heavily underreimbursed for the critical services they provided to the community. They had to run campaigns and seek private donations to make up for the difference. They struggled to maintain staffing levels and provide consistent support, leading to service cutbacks, as the cost of their activities far exceeded the revenue from government programs.