living wage

USAGE SUMMARY

"living wage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the minimum wage necessary to maintain an acceptable standard of living. For example, "Companies should pay their employees a living wage so they can afford basic necessities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A compulsory Living Wage isn't the Living Wage.

Independent

Living Wage Unit created?

The Guardian - Opinion

"National living wage," he bellowed.

The Guardian

Take the Living Wage campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Commentary: Could Walmart Pay a Living Wage?

University of California, Berkeley

Heard of the Living Wage campaign?

The Guardian

Living wage?

BBC

Below Living Wage.

BBC

Read more on the Living Wage.

BBC

These living wage laws are not included.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Living wage laws have two central features.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for economic policies, use "living wage" to emphasize the importance of wages that cover basic living expenses. This term carries a strong ethical connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "living wage" interchangeably with minimum wage. The "living wage" is calculated based on the actual cost of living in a specific area, whereas the minimum wage is a legally mandated minimum that may not adequately cover basic expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living wage" functions primarily as a noun phrase identifying a specific type of wage level. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. Examples show it as a subject or object in discussions about economic policy and worker compensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "living wage" is a noun phrase that refers to the minimum income needed to afford a decent standard of living. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It differs from the minimum wage, as it's based on the actual cost of living in a specific area. The phrase is very common in news and academic contexts, often used to advocate for economic policies that ensure "just compensation". While commonly used, it's important not to confuse it with the minimum wage. Alternative phrases include "fair wage" and "adequate income".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fair wage

Emphasizes the justice and equity of the compensation.

Just compensation

Highlights the moral rightness of the payment.

Adequate income

Focuses on whether the income is sufficient to meet needs.

Sufficient earnings

Stresses the idea that the earnings are enough.

Sustainable wage

Implies the wage allows for long-term financial stability.

Minimum subsistence wage

Highlights the wage needed for basic survival.

Basic needs income

Emphasizes that the income covers essential requirements.

Poverty-free wage

Suggests the wage is high enough to avoid poverty.

Wage above the poverty line

States the wage's position relative to a defined economic threshold.

Comfortable living income

Indicates the income provides more than just basic necessities.

FAQs

What exactly does the term "living wage" mean?

A "living wage" is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare. It is often higher than the minimum wage, as it's calculated based on the actual cost of living in a particular area.

How is a "living wage" different from a minimum wage?

The minimum wage is a legally mandated minimum hourly wage set by the government. A "living wage", on the other hand, is an estimate of the actual cost of basic living expenses and can vary by location. Some argue the minimum wage isn't always a "fair wage".

What are some arguments in favor of implementing a "living wage"?

Proponents of a "living wage" argue it can reduce poverty, stimulate the economy, and improve worker morale and productivity. It can also decrease reliance on public assistance programs, as workers earn a more "adequate income".

Are there any potential drawbacks to implementing a "living wage"?

Some argue that a "living wage" could lead to increased labor costs for businesses, potentially resulting in job losses or higher prices for consumers. Others suggest it might disproportionately affect small businesses or lead to automation.