small compensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small compensation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor or insufficient amount of payment or reward for a service or loss. Example: "Although the work was challenging, the small compensation offered did not reflect the effort required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Better-regulated swimming pools may seem small compensation.

The Economist

It is small compensation to anyone feeling motion sick to know they are hardly alone.

The New York Times - Science

Long hours, small compensation and five years of post-B.A. study can be discouraging.

The New York Times

In turn United will be liable for a small compensation fee for Pereira's services.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the team gold, which she kept, for she was never tested after that event anyway, was small compensation.

The Guardian - Sport

Using his influence with the local police and courts, the mayor obtains an eviction order and pitifully small compensation payout.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Safer banking means lower profits, which means smaller compensation packages.

The New York Times

A output capacitor-free low-dropout regulator (LDO) with fast transient response and ultra-small compensation capacitor is proposed.

Microelectronics Journal

At the very least, you will probably end up accepting a smaller compensation package than you might have received.

Science Magazine

The smaller compensation pool is paired with an increase in the number of employees, after a hiring spree by the bank overseas, particularly in Asia, the source said.

Huffington Post

But if it becomes a lower-level, more administrative job, with a smaller compensation package, you're looking at recruiting an academic or a former government official or someone who is altruistic and wants to help Fannie through the process, something more like a government service position".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small compensation", ensure the context clearly conveys the inadequacy or limited nature of the recompense. This avoids misinterpretations about the value or significance of the compensation offered.

Common error

Avoid using "small compensation" when a significant remedy is intended. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the situation to maintain credibility and avoid misleading the audience. For instance, do not state, “This small compensation will fully cover all damages caused” if it patently will not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small compensation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "compensation". It is used to describe the amount or degree of compensation being offered, emphasizing its limited or inadequate nature, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small compensation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a limited or inadequate form of payment or reward. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, highlighting its neutral register and broad applicability. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to accurately convey the limited nature of the recompense to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "modest recompense" or "meager remuneration" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest recompense

Replaces "compensation" with "recompense" and "small" with "modest", implying a slightly more formal tone and a limited amount.

meager remuneration

Substitutes "compensation" with "remuneration" and "small" with "meager", suggesting a formal context and a sense of inadequacy.

slight consideration

Replaces "compensation" with "consideration" and "small" with "slight", implying a minor form of acknowledgement or payment.

limited reimbursement

Substitutes "compensation" with "reimbursement" and "small" with "limited", focusing on the repayment aspect and its restrictiveness.

token payment

Replaces "small compensation" with "token payment", emphasizing that the payment is symbolic or minimal.

insignificant amends

Substitutes "compensation" with "amends" and "small" with "insignificant", focusing on making reparations in a negligible way.

trifling settlement

Replaces "compensation" with "settlement" and "small" with "trifling", suggesting a legal or financial agreement that is very low in value.

paltry allowance

Substitutes "compensation" with "allowance" and "small" with "paltry", indicating a minimal amount given periodically.

minor consideration

Replaces "compensation" with "consideration" and "small" with "minor", emphasizing the insignificance of the payment.

inadequate reward

Substitutes "compensation" with "reward" and "small" with "inadequate", highlighting that the reward is not sufficient.

FAQs

What does "small compensation" mean?

The phrase "small compensation" refers to a payment or reward that is limited or insufficient in relation to the effort, loss, or service provided. It implies that the recompense is modest and may not fully cover the actual value or extent of what is being compensated.

When is it appropriate to use the term "small compensation"?

Use "small compensation" when you want to acknowledge that the payment or reward being offered is not substantial or fully adequate. It's suitable in situations where the compensation only partially addresses the loss or effort, or when setting expectations about the limited value of the recompense.

What are some alternatives to "small compensation"?

You can use alternatives like "modest recompense", "meager remuneration", or "limited reimbursement" depending on the specific context.

Is "small compensation" the same as "no compensation"?

No, "small compensation" indicates that some form of payment or reward is provided, even if it's not substantial. "No compensation" means that there is no payment or reward offered at all. The former implies a minimal gesture, while the latter indicates a complete absence of recompense.