modest compensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest compensation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a payment or reward that is relatively small or not extravagant, often in the context of work or services rendered. Example: "The internship offers modest compensation, but the experience gained is invaluable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There is mounting concern the relatively modest compensation could be diverted from claimants.

Independent

With the dollars saved, many more medical accident victims can receive, if not millions, at least modest compensation.

The New York Times

Though his letter was largely free of negativity, Mr. Buffett used the hiring of Mr. Combs - and his relatively modest compensation arrangement - to take a swipe at the hedge fund industry.

The New York Times

Relatively modest compensation may ensure that directors act more prudently and serve as a counterweight to chief executives, who are more willing to shoot for the moon because their upside is so high.

The New York Times

Sometimes lawyers win only very modest compensation for their clients — a coupon for a discount on the very product said to be flawed, say — even as they themselves claim handsome fees.

The New York Times

Mr. Jain said that the banking business was simply not as profitable as it once was and that highly paid employees would have to get used to more modest compensation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Residents have been fighting for years with California power companies over the earthquakes, occasionally winning modest financial compensation.

The New York Times

Mr. Golisano's pay package, just under $750,000 a year, is remarkably modest, executive compensation experts say.

The New York Times

The hospital insisted that it had rules that told nurses to keep jewellery to a minimum and avoid necklaces; she said she had worn a cross for many years without causing problems.The ECHR vindicated Ms Eweida and awarded her a modest financial compensation; it rejected Ms Chaplin's complaint, finding that the safety grounds cited for the restriction were fair.

The Economist

Most of these studies are carried out by specialized research contract companies; the subjects are usually healthy volunteers who receive modest financial compensation.

Science Magazine

After years of protest, including five hunger strikes led by women like Aurélie Talate, some in Mauritius received the most modest of compensation from the British government: small concrete houses, tiny plots of land, and about $6,000 per adult.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing settlements or legal matters, "modest compensation" can be used to objectively describe the amount awarded without implying satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "modest compensation" to describe payments that are actually substantial or significant, as this can be misleading and undermine your credibility. Be precise with your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest compensation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "compensation". It describes the size or extent of payment awarded or received. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest compensation" is a commonly used phrase to describe a payment or reward that is relatively small. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, be mindful of accurately representing the sum involved, and consider alternatives such as "slight compensation" or "small payment" if appropriate. The expert rating is high, reflecting the phrase's reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight compensation

Indicates an even smaller amount of compensation compared to "modest".

small payment

Focuses on the monetary aspect, replacing "compensation" with a more general term.

reasonable compensation

Emphasizes the fairness of the compensation rather than its size.

low remuneration

Uses a more formal term, "remuneration", and suggests a lower level of payment.

fair recompense

Implies a sense of justice and balance in the payment.

minimal reimbursement

Highlights the aspect of covering expenses with a very low payment.

token compensation

Suggests the compensation is symbolic and not of significant value.

limited payment

Specifies that the payment is restricted or not extensive.

moderate remuneration

Synonymous, yet slightly less common, emphasizing a middle-ground approach to payment.

reduced compensation

Highlights that the compensation has been decreased from a previous amount.

FAQs

How can I use "modest compensation" in a sentence?

You can use "modest compensation" to describe a payment that is relatively small or not extravagant. For example, "The volunteers received only modest compensation for their time."

What's an alternative to "modest compensation"?

Alternatives to "modest compensation" include "slight compensation", "small payment", or "reasonable compensation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest compensation" appropriate for describing executive pay?

Generally, "modest compensation" is not appropriate for describing executive pay, which is often substantial. It's more suitable for describing payments to volunteers, research participants, or in cases of small settlements.

How does "modest compensation" differ from "full compensation"?

"Modest compensation" implies the payment is small or limited, whereas "full compensation" suggests that all losses or damages have been covered completely. They represent opposite ends of the payment spectrum.