low compensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low compensation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing inadequate or insufficient payment for work or services rendered. Example: "Many employees are dissatisfied with their jobs due to low compensation, which does not reflect their skills and efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Protesting farmers, angry over low compensation, blocked road work.

The New York Times

Moreover, the willingness to accept such relatively low compensation for normally costlier labors sets a precedent.

The New York Times

Local advocates said onerous bureaucratic hurdles and low compensation rates are major reasons.

The Washington Post

He was startled by what he saw of the grind of kitchen life and the low compensation of cooks.

The New York Times

Residents facing orders to move — and unhappy with low compensation offers — sometimes protest and clash with security and demolition officers.

The New York Times

But he acknowledged problems in the department, including what he said was understaffing and low compensation that forced many officers to take second jobs to make ends meet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The fourth-round pick is the lowest compensation negotiated in recent years for a coach under contract by one team and coveted by another.

The New York Times

An article in The New York Times last year reported that the United States Open offered the top umpires the lowest compensation among the Grand Slam events.

The New York Times

Lauralee Martin had the lowest compensation, with an annual salary of $6.9 million in 2015.

Forbes

Junk bonds, as Fed Chairman Greenspan noted in his Feb. 26 Humphrey-Hawkins testimony, offer the lowest compensation for credit risk in history.

Forbes

And junk-bond investors settled for some of the lowest compensation of the decade: The premium of junk yields to Treasurys averaged just 263 basis points, against 840 today.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employee satisfaction or labor disputes, use "low compensation" to clearly convey the issue of inadequate payment. Be specific about the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "low compensation" when the primary issue is not financial but rather a lack of appreciation or acknowledgment for one's work. "Low compensation" specifically addresses the financial aspect, while lack of recognition pertains to the value placed on an individual's contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low compensation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "low" modifies the noun "compensation". It's used to describe the state or condition of receiving inadequate or insufficient payment for work or services.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low compensation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase referring to inadequate payment for work or services. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science and business settings, expressing concern or criticism regarding pay levels. While grammatically sound, choosing the most precise term—such as "poor compensation", "inadequate remuneration", or "insufficient pay"—can enhance clarity. Remember to focus on financial aspects rather than general dissatisfaction. Ludwig's sources further highlight the real-world implications of "low compensation", including decreased employee morale, productivity, and staff retention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor compensation

Focuses on the inadequacy of the compensation.

inadequate remuneration

Replaces "compensation" with a more formal term, "remuneration".

insufficient pay

Uses simpler terms to convey the lack of adequate payment.

meager earnings

Highlights the small amount of money earned.

paltry wages

Emphasizes the insignificance of the wages paid.

reduced benefits

Shifts the focus to the reduction of benefits, implying lower overall value.

minimal salary

Indicates the salary is at the lowest possible level.

deflated reimbursements

Highlights the lowering of reimbursements.

cutbacks in compensation

Highlights a reduction in the amount of compensation.

diminished returns

Emphasizes the reduced returns on investment or effort.

FAQs

What are some common reasons for "low compensation" in certain fields?

Common reasons include budget constraints, high competition, a surplus of qualified candidates, or the perceived value of the work performed. Factors such as lack of union representation and geographic location can also play a role.

How does "low compensation" affect employee morale and productivity?

"Low compensation" can lead to decreased job satisfaction, reduced motivation, higher turnover rates, and a decline in overall productivity. Employees may feel undervalued, leading to disengagement and a search for better opportunities.

What strategies can employees use to address "low compensation" issues?

Employees can negotiate for higher pay, seek additional training or certifications to increase their value, or explore opportunities for advancement within the company. They can also consider seeking employment elsewhere with better "poor compensation".

What are some alternative phrases for "low compensation"?

You can use alternatives like "inadequate remuneration", "insufficient pay", or "meager earnings" depending on the context.