underpay

[ uhn-der-pey ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·paid, un·der·pay·ing.

1. to pay less than is deserved or usual.

underpay

/ ˌʌndəˈpeɪ /

verb

1. to pay (someone) insufficiently

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˈpayment, noun

Other Words From

• un·der·pay·ment [uhn-der-, pey, -m, uh, nt, uhn, -der-pey-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underpay¹

First recorded in 1840–50; under- + pay ¹

Example Sentences

As always, the onus is on consumers to express dissatisfaction with companies that underpay workers, destroy the planet, and otherwise act badly until they have no choice but to respond.

From Eater

Stronger governmental oversight is especially necessary during a recession, when the rate at which employers underpay their minimum-wage workers skyrockets, according to research Fine oversaw this year.

From Fortune

If you underpay the government, on the other hand, they charge you not only interest, but also penalties.

From The Daily Beast

Steve Jobs and now Tim Cook did not conspire to undermine American labor and underpay Chinese workers.

From The Daily Beast

Full of fine words and charitable speeches in favor of the poor; but apt to oppress, overwork, and underpay them.

From Project Gutenberg

We snub them and underpay them, we refuse them the rank due to them, and lead them a generally happy life!

From Project Gutenberg

It's bad business to overwork and underpay your hands into a state of chronic insurrection.

From Project Gutenberg

They may be forced by the competitive system, as many contend, to underpay their workmen.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter may underpay his servants, keep them at work all day, or take every advantage of them in every possible way.

From Project Gutenberg