lower wages

USAGE SUMMARY

"lower wages" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a decrease in the amount of money a person or group of people earns for their work. Example: The company's decision to outsource production resulted in lower wages for their employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, they lower wages.

The Economist

"You've got lower wages from restructurings.

The New York Times

He just wants lower wages.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some jobs have moved overseas to countries with lower wages.

The New York Times

[So] why are people working longer hours for lower wages?

The Guardian

Free council homes are available to people on lower wages.

The Guardian

They're angry because they're working longer hours for lower wages.

The Guardian

So there's no benefit to the economy from lower wages.

The New York Times

In some industries, dirt-poor newcomers lower wages.

The New Yorker

"A few have opted out – mainly those on lower wages.

The Guardian

Another important reason for moving jobs abroad is lower wages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "lower wages", always provide context regarding the reasons behind the decrease and its potential impact on the affected individuals or the economy. Providing specific examples or data strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "lower wages" always lead to negative outcomes. In some cases, they might be a necessary adjustment to maintain competitiveness or prevent job losses. Acknowledge potential nuances and complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower wages" functions as a noun phrase, where 'lower' acts as a descriptive adjective modifying 'wages'. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct expression. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the state of reduced compensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower wages" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily used to describe a reduction in earnings. It's prevalent in news, business, and economic discussions. Analyzing its use across various contexts reveals that while it often carries a negative connotation, its implications can be multifaceted. When writing about "lower wages", it's essential to consider the broader economic landscape, potential contributing factors, and diverse outcomes. Related phrases such as "reduced pay" or "decreased earnings" offer alternative ways to express the same idea, each with its own subtle emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced pay

Focuses specifically on the act of reducing someone's compensation.

decreased earnings

Emphasizes the outcome of reduced wages in terms of overall income.

wage cuts

A more direct and abrupt way to refer to wage reductions.

reduced compensation

A more formal way of saying "lower wages", often used in legal or business contexts.

diminished income

Highlights the impact of reduced wages on a person's financial status.

pay reductions

Similar to wage cuts, but sounds slightly less harsh.

salary decreases

Specifically refers to reductions in a fixed salary.

decline in wages

Focuses on the downward trend of wages over time.

lessened remuneration

A formal and somewhat archaic way to express reduced wages.

stagnant wages

While not a direct reduction, it implies a lack of wage growth, effectively diminishing relative value.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "lower wages"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced pay", "decreased earnings", or "wage cuts" depending on the context.

How does the concept of "lower wages" relate to the cost of living?

"Lower wages" can make it more difficult for individuals and families to afford basic necessities, especially if the cost of living is high. This can lead to increased financial stress and inequality.

What are the potential economic consequences of "lower wages"?

"Lower wages" can decrease consumer spending, which may lead to slower economic growth. However, they can also make businesses more competitive, potentially leading to job creation in the long run.

What factors might contribute to "lower wages" in a particular industry or region?

Several factors can contribute to "lower wages", including increased competition, automation, outsourcing, and a decline in union membership.