Definition
a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
noun
Synonyms
trifle, paltry sum, peanuts, mite, small amount, meagre salary, modicum
Antonyms
fortune, windfall, substantial amount, lavish sum, abundant wage, considerable salary.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | pittance, pittances |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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Despite working for long hours, the company still paid her a pittance of a salary, which was barely enough to cover her basic expenses.
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The minimum wage for the workers in that company is just a pittance, making it very hard for them to live decently.
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After years of studying and training, she was disappointed to find that the job she landed was only paying a pittance.
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The farmers had to sell their harvest for a pittance as the market prices had dipped too low.
Usage
Pittance is a word commonly used to describe a small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage. The term is often used to refer to a low paying job, which pays barely enough to cover the basic expenses of a person. It can also describe a small percentage of money that is paid to someone, which pales in comparison to the larger sum the person had originally expected.
The word ‘pittance’ comes from the Latin word ‘pictantia’, which means ‘a small quantity or amount’. The prefix ‘pi-’ and the suffix ‘-ance’ give the word its meaning of something inadequate or small in quantity. The term can be used in different contexts, including labour, law, and finance, to describe situations where someone is being paid very little for the work they do.
Pittance is often used in discussions related to matters of poverty, inequality, and social justice. In many countries, particularly in the developing world, there are laws in place that require employers to pay their workers a minimum wage, which should at least provide for the basic needs of the worker. Unfortunately, many employers violate these laws, paying their workers a pittance of the required minimum wage or even lower.
In conclusion, the word pittance is a noun that describes a small or insufficient amount paid to someone as an allowance or wage. It has negative connotations and is usually used to describe situations where someone is being paid too little for the work they do. In many cases, it is used to highlight issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.