dues-paying

[ dooz-pey-ing, dyooz- ]

/ ˈduzˌpeɪ ɪŋ, ˈdyuz- /

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adjective

gaining experience, especially by hard and often unpleasant or uncongenial work: He spent his dues-paying years as a cocktail pianist.

noun

the act or process of gaining experience, especially slowly and laboriously: She had many years of dues-paying before her abilities were recognized.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby dues-paying

duende, duenna, due process of law, Duero, dues, dues-paying, duet, due to, duetting, Dufay, duff

How to use dues-paying in a sentence

Paying for things is a lot different than it used to be, too.
His First Day Out Of Jail After 40 Years: Adjusting To Life Outside|Justin Rohrlich|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Apple customers, on the other hand, are used to paying premium for perceived quality.
Lost For Thousands of Strokes: 'Desert Golfing' Is 'Angry Birds' as Modern Art|Alec Kubas-Meyer|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Paying for all those pensions inevitably means less money for parks and schools.
How Public Sector Unions Divide the Democrats|Daniel DiSalvo|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Paper and cloth are cheap, what people are paying for is the story.
Glenn Beck Is Now Selling Hipster Clothes. Really.|Ana Marie Cox|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

For my technologically illiterate mother, the idea of paying bills online provokes as much anxiety as throwing something away.
I’m a Digital Hoarder|Lizzie Crocker|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Now, on my first day here, you pay me back for what I did then—as if it needed paying back!
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
I wasn't paying any attention to him, therefore, when suddenly my left-hand neighbour touched my arm.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
A full General landing to inspect overseas is entitled to a salute of 17 guns—well, I got my dues.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
She waved a dissenting hand, and went on, paying no further heed to their renewed cries which sought to detain her.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
I am in favour of no one paying rates unless he has children actually at a Board School.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various