unpaid

UK: ʌnˈpeɪd | US: ʌnˈpeɪd

Definition

  1. adj. not receiving payment for work or services

  2. adj. (of a debt or obligation) not yet settled

Structure
un <not>pay <give money>ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "unpaid" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the root "pay" (from Old French "paier," ultimately Latin "pacare," meaning "to pacify or settle a debt") and the suffix "-ed" (forming adjectives). The term evolved to describe work or debts lacking financial settlement, preserving the logical negation of "paid."

Examples

  1. She worked unpaid as an intern to gain experience.

  2. The unpaid bills piled up on his desk.

  3. Volunteers often provide unpaid services to charities.

  4. The invoice remained unpaid for three months.

  5. Unpaid overtime is a common issue in some industries.