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

But it could also restore dynamism, lift productivity, raise real wages, and strengthen long-term economic growth.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Barr’s base case is that disruptions will be painful but temporary, with productivity gains eventually lifting real wages and supporting growth.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

The big news from the economy this week is that inflation is coming down, the jobs market is better than expected and real wages are rising.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

But what the President really needs is what he promised in the campaign, which is rising real wages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

Define clearly value, price, real wages, and cost of production.

From Principles Of Political Economy Abridged with Critical, Bibliographical, and Explanatory Notes, and a Sketch of the History of Political Economy by Mill, John Stuart

Related Words

• net income