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

Until the firm collapsed earlier this year, workers the firm employed were often underpaid and working in unsafe conditions, according to a New York Times report published Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Until the firm collapsed early this year, it was an agent for the exploitation of laborers who were often underpaid and working in unsafe conditions, all while shielding brands from direct responsibility.

From New York Times

Train operators have a number of tools to deal with passengers who have underpaid or not bought a ticket at all.

From BBC

He also denied rumours that he had been underpaid for his contribution to the first two Iron Maiden albums, which included co-writing credits on key tracks like Remember Tomorrow, Killers, Sanctuary and Running Free.

From BBC

And there are several other cases being shared on social media with people being told to pay hundreds by courts for underpaying fares by only a few pounds.

From BBC