subminimum

American

[suhb-min-uh-muhm] / sʌbˈmɪn ə məm /

adjective

being below a minimum standard, rate, quota, etc..

a subminimum wage for teenagers.

noun

something that is below a minimum standard or rate.

Etymology

Origin of subminimum

sub- + minimum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The Department has tentatively concluded that subminimum wages are no longer necessary to prevent the curtailment of employment opportunities.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

Currently, only seven states have eliminated the subminimum wage for tipped employees: Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2024

California becomes the 13th state to end a practice that allowed businesses with special licenses to pay people with disabilities subminimum wages, according to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2021

Opponents say the proposal amounts to a ploy by the companies to avoid paying taxes and contains loopholes that would create a subminimum wage for drivers.

From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2021

Investigators determined that the contractor had abused a federal law that allows the payment of subminimum wages to people with disabilities.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2014

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023