HealthJuly 14, 2026

underemployment

/ˌʌndərɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Definition

A condition where a worker is employed but works fewer hours than they desire or are available to work.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the prefix 'under-' (meaning below or less than) and 'employment.' It emerged in 20th-century economic discourse to describe labor market gaps beyond simple unemployment.

In the news

In the article, the researchers investigated whether psychological distress impacts a person's desire or ability to work full-time. They found a potential link between high distress and working fewer hours, though they advised interpreting this finding with caution.

This Overlooked Mental Health Issue Is Affecting How You Work (& Most People Don't Know They Have It)

Read the full article ↗

Yahoo Health

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