Definition

To pay someone less money than they deserve for their work or services.

Example

The company decided to underpay its employees, leading to low morale.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about how some companies underpay their employees?

Yeah, it's really unfair, especially for hard workers.

I can't believe they would underpay people who put in so much effort.

Exactly! Everyone deserves to be compensated fairly for their work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underpay → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "pay" (from Old French *paier*, meaning to pay or to settle a debt). The word "underpay" means to pay someone less than what is due or expected.

Memory Tip

Think of paying someone 'below' ('under-') what they are owed ('pay'). This helps you remember that 'underpay' means to pay less than what is fair.

Visually Confused Words