low salaries

USAGE SUMMARY

"low salaries" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "The volume of applications for the low-salaried position surprised us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is unemployment, low salaries.

The New York Times

Teachers are on strike because of their low salaries.

The Guardian

There are jobs out there, but often at low salaries.

The New York Times

"I blame the city for the low salaries.

The New York Times

Low salaries meant high credit, which meant high risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

The relatively low salaries make running prisons cheaper, too.

The New Yorker

Without investment and infrastructure, the area continues to be haunted by low salaries.

The Guardian - Money

These opponents have criticized what they see as Wal-Mart's low salaries and unfair business practices.

The New York Times

A wonderful group of young camp counselors runs these camps at very low salaries.

The New York Times

Many are young people sacrificing themselves for low salaries and working in difficult conditions".

The Guardian

They were all federal employees, which meant low salaries, long hours.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "low salaries", be specific about the industry, region, or demographic affected to provide context and impact.

Common error

Don't assume that "low salaries" are always the primary reason for job dissatisfaction; consider other factors like work-life balance, growth opportunities, and company culture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low salaries" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the level of compensation that is considered to be below an acceptable or standard amount. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low salaries" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe inadequate compensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Analyzing the provided examples, it's evident that the term appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions about economic conditions, job markets, and labor practices. Alternative phrases like "meager wages", "poor compensation", and "inadequate remuneration" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When discussing "low salaries", specificity regarding the industry or region is crucial for providing context. A key takeaway is to avoid generalizations, recognizing that factors beyond salary also influence job satisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient salaries

Emphasizes that the salaries are not enough for needs.

small salaries

Focuses on the salary magnitude/size.

modest salaries

Focuses on the salary humility.

meager wages

Emphasizes the insufficiency and scantiness of the pay.

poor compensation

Highlights the inadequacy of the overall remuneration package.

reduced pay scales

Focuses on the systematic lowering of salary ranges.

inadequate remuneration

A more formal way of expressing insufficient compensation.

depressed wage levels

Indicates a state of prolonged low wages due to economic factors.

paltry earnings

Highlights how insignificant the money earned is.

minimal income

Emphasizes that the revenue generated is very small.

FAQs

What are some common reasons for "low salaries" in certain industries?

Factors contributing to "low salaries" can include high competition, low barriers to entry, lack of union representation, and economic downturns affecting specific sectors.

How do "low salaries" affect employee morale and productivity?

"Low salaries" can lead to decreased motivation, higher turnover rates, and reduced productivity as employees may feel undervalued and seek better opportunities.

What can employers do to address concerns about "low salaries"?

Employers can conduct salary benchmarking, offer performance-based bonuses, provide opportunities for professional development, and improve overall employee benefits packages to compensate for "modest salaries".

Which jobs are often associated with "low salaries"?

Jobs frequently associated with "low salaries" include entry-level positions, service industry roles, non-profit sector jobs, and some positions in the arts and education.