unwaged

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌnˈweɪdʒd//

KK: /ʌnˈweɪdʒd/

adjective

Definition

Describing someone or something that does not receive a salary or payment for work.

Example

Many volunteers are unwaged, contributing their time without expecting any financial reward.

Conversation

I heard you took some time off from work.

Yeah, it’s been tough being unwaged for a while.

I can imagine. It must feel strange not having a paycheck coming in.

Definitely, but I'm trying to stay positive and look for new opportunities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unpaid

voluntary

gratis

Antonyms

paid

employed

waged

Root Explanation

Unwaged → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "waged" (from Old English "wægd", meaning to wage or carry on). The word "unwaged" means not being carried on or not being waged, typically referring to work or employment that is unpaid.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being associated with 'waged' work — that's why unwaged means not being paid for work.

Visually Confused Words

unaged

unpaged

ungaged

uncaged