Definition

Describing something that has not been paid for or does not receive payment.

Example

She worked as an unpaid intern to gain experience in her field.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new project they want us to work on?

Yeah, but I heard it's unpaid work.

That's such a bummer; I can't afford to take on unpaid tasks right now.

I agree, it's tough to manage when everything else has bills to pay.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpaid → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "paid" (from Old English "paidan", meaning to pay). The word "unpaid" means not having been paid or lacking payment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'paid' for something — that's why unpaid means you haven't settled the payment.

Visually Confused Words