inadequate pay

[ɪn'ædɪkwət 'peɪ]
noun phrasepl: inadequate pays
salário insuficiente
1. compensation for work that is insufficient to meet basic needs or is below what is considered fair for the job performed
The workers complained about inadequate pay and demanded a raise.
Os trabalhadores reclamaram do salário insuficiente e exigiram um aumento.
2. wages or salary that do not match the level of responsibility, skill, or effort required for a position
Despite her expertise, she received inadequate pay for her role as a senior manager.
Apesar de sua experiência, ela recebeu um salário insuficiente para seu cargo de gerente sênior.
This is a significant labor rights issue in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, discussions about inadequate pay are often tied to the minimum wage (salário mínimo) and labor unions (sindicatos). In the US, the concept intersects with debates about the federal minimum wage and income inequality. Both countries have seen strikes and protests related to inadequate pay in recent years, particularly in service industries and public sector employment.
NYC Slang
chump change; pocket change; peanuts
Synonyms / Sinônimos
low payinsufficient wagesmeager compensationunderpaymentpoor remuneration
Antonyms / Antônimos
adequate paycompetitive salaryfair compensationgenerous pay

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
salário insuficiente
most common and neutral term used across Brazil
General Brazilian
remuneração inadequada
more formal, used in official documents and legal contexts
São Paulo
salário ruim
colloquial expression commonly used in urban business contexts
Portugal
salário inadequado
Portuguese uses 'inadequado' with similar formality to English

Related Words

minimum wagesalary negotiationincome inequalitylabor rightswage gapcost of living

Related Idioms & Phrases

not worth the paper it's printed on
barely scraping by
living paycheck to paycheck
robbing someone blind
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