underemployment Definition
the state of being employed in a job that does not fully use one's skills, abilities, or education, or that does not provide enough paid work.
Using underemployment: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underemployment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
After graduating with a degree in engineering, he struggled with underemployment and had to take a job as a cashier.
Example
Many people in the country are facing underemployment due to the economic crisis.
Example
The company's policy of hiring part-time workers led to widespread underemployment among its staff.
underemployment Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for underemployment
- underutilization
- inadequate employment
- low-paying job
- part-time job
Antonyms for underemployment
- overemployment
- full employment
Phrases with underemployment
a situation where people are unable to find work during certain times of the year
Example
In rural areas, seasonal underemployment is a common problem during the off-season for agriculture.
a situation where people are unable to find work due to fluctuations in the economy
Example
During a recession, cyclical underemployment becomes a major issue as companies lay off workers and cut back on hiring.
a situation where people are employed but their work is not productive or does not contribute to the economy
Example
In many developing countries, disguised underemployment is a major problem as people work in low-paying jobs that do not contribute to economic growth.
Summary: underemployment in Brief
Underemployment [ˌʌndərɪmˈplɔɪmənt] refers to the state of being employed in a job that does not fully utilize one's skills, abilities, or education or provide enough paid work. Examples include taking a low-paying job after graduation or working part-time due to company policies. Underemployment can be seasonal, cyclical, or disguised, depending on the circumstances.