minimum wage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Business, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “minimum wage” mean?
The lowest hourly rate that employers are legally permitted to pay their workers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The lowest hourly rate that employers are legally permitted to pay their workers.
A legally mandated baseline pay rate established by national or local government, intended to protect workers from exploitation and ensure a basic standard of living. It can also refer to the concept or policy debate surrounding such a floor on earnings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is identical. The UK has a National Minimum Wage and a higher National Living Wage for over-23s. The US has a federal minimum wage, but states and cities can set higher rates. Terminology: 'National Minimum Wage' (UK) vs. 'federal minimum wage' (US).
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong socio-economic and political connotations, often central to debates on poverty, inflation, and business viability.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties in news, policy, and business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “minimum wage” in a Sentence
[verb] + the minimum wage (e.g., raise, earn, pay)the minimum wage + [verb] (e.g., rises, applies, is set)[adjective] + minimum wage (e.g., federal, national, statutory)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minimum wage” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She took a minimum-wage job at the supermarket.
- The minimum-wage increase was debated in Parliament.
American English
- He worked a minimum-wage job through college.
- The minimum-wage law varies by state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The rise in the minimum wage will impact our operating costs for entry-level positions."
Academic
"The study found a negligible effect on employment levels following a minimum wage increase."
Everyday
"It's hard to afford rent in this city on just the minimum wage."
Technical
"The nominal minimum wage must be adjusted for inflation to calculate the real minimum wage."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minimum wage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minimum wage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minimum wage”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They minimum wage their employees' – INCORRECT). Confusing 'minimum wage' (the rate) with the total 'salary' or 'income' earned.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The US has a federal minimum wage, but individual states and even cities can set a higher minimum wage. Employees are entitled to the highest rate applicable.
No. The UK has a National Minimum Wage for younger workers and a higher National Living Wage for workers aged 23 and over. Rates also differ by age bracket.
This is a subject of significant debate. In many high-cost urban areas, the minimum wage is often considered insufficient to cover basic living expenses without additional support or multiple jobs, leading to discussions about a 'living wage'.
A 'minimum wage' is a legal requirement set by government. A 'living wage' is an unofficial benchmark, calculated by independent groups, intended to reflect the income needed to meet a basic standard of living in a specific area. It is usually higher than the minimum wage.
The lowest hourly rate that employers are legally permitted to pay their workers.
Minimum wage is usually formal, legal, business, journalistic in register.
Minimum wage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪn.ɪ.məm ˈweɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪn.ə.məm ˈweɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A race to the bottom (in context of competing on low wages)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MINImum effort for MINImum WAGE' – it's the least you can legally be paid.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FLOOR or BASELINE (for wages). A SAFETY NET (for workers). A BARRIER or BURDEN (from a business perspective).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'minimum wage' primarily refer to?