underemployment

noun

un·der·em·ploy·ment ˌən-dər-im-ˈplȯi-mənt

: the condition in which people in a labor force are employed at less than full-time or regular jobs or at jobs inadequate with respect to their training or economic needs

: the condition of being underemployed

Examples of underemployment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Many college graduates are experiencing unemployment or underemployment. —

Khaitsa Wasiyo, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 As a result, these individuals usually experience higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to the general population. —

Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Given its racialized connotations, that meant paying particular attention to poverty and underemployment among African Americans. —

Ben Zdencanovic, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 Employment: Creating Equitable Job Opportunities While unemployment rates have remained generally steady, underemployment and wage inequality continue to hinder many Americans' economic mobility. —

Maria Alonso, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underemployment

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of underemployment was in 1909

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Underemployment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underemployment. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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