piecework: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Business/Technical
Quick answer
What does “piecework” mean?
Work paid according to the number of items produced rather than the time spent working.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Work paid according to the number of items produced rather than the time spent working.
Any system, process, or arrangement where compensation or evaluation is based on discrete units or outputs rather than continuous effort or time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling is consistently 'piecework' (one word).
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can carry a neutral economic connotation or a slightly negative one suggesting exploitation or lack of job security, depending on context.
Frequency
Equally common in business and economic discussions in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “piecework” in a Sentence
Noun + [paid] + by + pieceworkWork + [as] + pieceworkBe + on + pieceworkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “piecework” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The role was not salaried; she effectively pieceworked from her studio.
American English
- He pieceworked his way through college by assembling electronics.
adverb
British English
- He was paid piecework, which motivated him to work faster.
American English
- They hired her piecework to complete the data entry.
adjective
British English
- They discussed the piecework arrangements with the union.
American English
- She took a piecework job transcribing audio files.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The factory switched to a piecework model to increase production output.
Academic
Historical analyses often critique piecework for deskilling labour.
Everyday
My grandmother used to do piecework sewing at home.
Technical
The piecework rate must be calculated to ensure it meets the minimum wage floor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “piecework”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “piecework”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “piecework”
- Spelling as two words: 'piece work'. (Incorrect)
- Using it as a verb: 'She pieceworks at home'. (Incorrect; it's a noun)
- Confusing with 'peacework' (homophone error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'piecework'.
Traditionally, it is a noun. Using it as a verb ('to piecework') is non-standard and rare, though occasionally seen in informal business contexts.
Yes, but regulations vary. Employers must often ensure the piece rate allows workers to earn at least the minimum wage when calculated over their total hours.
Piecework is typically for manufacturing/production (paid per item). Commission is usually for sales or services (a percentage of the sale value). Both are output-based pay.
Work paid according to the number of items produced rather than the time spent working.
Piecework is usually formal/business/technical in register.
Piecework: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.wɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.wɝːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A stitch in time saves nine (related concept of piecework efficiency)”
- “Penny wise, pound foolish (critique of piecework focus)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PIECE of a puzzle or a product. You get paid for each finished PIECE of WORK.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORK IS A COMMODITY (produced in measurable units and sold piece by piece).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of piecework?