real wages

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

plural noun

Economics.

1. wages estimated not in money but in purchasing power.

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real wages British  

plural noun

1. economics wages evaluated with reference to their purchasing power rather than to the money actually paid Compare money wages

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real wages Cultural  

1. Wages adjusted for the prevailing level of consumer prices. (See also constant dollars.)

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Etymology

Origin of real wages

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

“Forecast cuts have been widespread as higher inflation squeezes real wages, dampens consumption and raises companies’ input costs,” Fitch economists said in a report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

That reflects the risk that higher fuel prices will erode gains in real wages and make households more cautious.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

“Even if the war ends quickly, the economy will likely take some time to reset, and real wages may take a hit until then,” he said.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

The decrease in real wages is “a big turnaround from the past few years, when wages were growing well above inflation for most workers.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Private consumption became the leading driver of growth in 2000, accompanied by increased employment and higher real wages.

From The 2001 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Related Words

• net income