living wage

noun

1. a wage on which it is possible for a wage earner or an individual and their family to live at least according to minimum customary standards.

living wage

noun

1. a wage adequate to permit a wage earner to live and support a family in reasonable comfort

Word History and Origins

Origin of living wage¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

In January last year the firm faced a backlash after revealing it would no longer hire new staff on the real living wage, instead paying the lower legal minimum wage.

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People across the industry consistently told us it often takes five to seven years before you earn a living wage.

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And the Bank clearly is picking up the impact of some government policies, from the rise in National Insurance for employers, and the national living wage.

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A ban on lorry rides is just one in a list of changes advocates have been calling for, which include a living wage, stronger whistleblower protections, and subsidised healthcare.

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We need a path forward for undocumented care workers and a living wage for everyone who does this job.

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Related Words

• minimum wage