starvationwages
nounUK /stɑːˈveɪʃən ˈweɪdʒɪz/
US /stɑːrˈveɪʃən ˈweɪdʒɪz/
Pay that is so low it is hard to buy enough food to live.
The factory workers were paid starvationwages and could barely afford bread.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A very small amount of money for hard work.
She worked long hours for starvationwages at the old mill.
3. Income that keeps a person below a decent living standard.
The report showed many families surviving on starvationwages.
4. A term used to criticize unfair pay practices.
Protesters demanded an end to starvationwages in the garment industry.