living wage

IPA/ˌlɪvɪŋ ˈweɪdʒ/
IPA/ˌlɪvɪŋ ˈweɪdʒ/

living wage — noun

1. the minimum amount of money a worker must earn from their job in order to afford

1.nounB2
Definition

the minimum amount of money a worker must earn from their job in order to afford basic living costs such as food, housing, clothing, and medical care

Example

Nadia works two jobs but still does not earn a living wage in this city.

collocation: earn a living wage

The city council voted last month to guarantee a living wage for all public employees.

collocation: guarantee a living wage

Common collocations
  • earn a living wage
  • pay a living wage
  • demand a living wage
  • guarantee a living wage
  • provide a living wage
  • living wage campaign
  • living wage ordinance
  • living wage policy
  • living wage standard
Synonyms
  • fair wage

    focuses on what is morally fair rather than what covers basic needs

  • subsistence wage

    narrower — only enough for bare survival, without room for comfort or savings

  • decent wage

    broader — implies a wage that allows a comfortable, dignified life

Antonyms

Usage Note

Frequently used in discussions of labour policy. Can be modified by adjectives such as fair, decent, full, or real to indicate a more generous standard. Contrast with minimum wage, which is the legal lowest amount and may be less than what counts as a living wage.

Common Mistakes

I think the government should raise the living wage.
I think the government should raise the minimum wage.
living wage is a concept or goal, not a legally set number; minimum wage is the legal floor set by law.
My living wage is $15 per hour.
My employer pays a living wage of $15 per hour.
a living wage is a general standard, not a personal salary figure.

Etymology

FrenchEnglish

The phrase 'living wage' combines 'living' (meaning 'providing a livelihood' or 'sufficient for life') with 'wage' (money paid for work). It emerged in the late 1800s during labour movements that argued workers should earn enough not just to survive, but to live with dignity. The concept became central to campaigns for fair wages and workers' rights in the early 20th century.

First known use

1817

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1