underemployment
noun
un·der·em·ploy·ment
ˌən-dər-im-ˈplȯi-mənt 
1
: the condition in which people in a labor force are employed at less than full-time or regular jobs or at jobs inadequate with respect to their training or economic needs
2
: the condition of being underemployed
Examples of underemployment in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For instance, in a competitive, uncertain job market, young men may struggle with financial insecurity, underemployment, and lack of purpose, says Pain.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 29 July 2025
Meanwhile, a recent McKinsey study forecasts that AI and automation could displace up to 30 percent of American work hours in the next five years, increasing the risk of unemployment and underemployment in critical sectors.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Over the past two decades, as digital transformation (and higher education’s failure to keep up) has increased 20-something unemployment and underemployment, grad school became the default – the path of least resistance.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The country's relatively young population - more than 60% are under 30 years old - have been hit particularly hard by high unemployment and underemployment.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 29 June 2025
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Sherri Gordon, Parents, 29 July 2025
Meanwhile, a recent McKinsey study forecasts that AI and automation could displace up to 30 percent of American work hours in the next five years, increasing the risk of unemployment and underemployment in critical sectors.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Over the past two decades, as digital transformation (and higher education’s failure to keep up) has increased 20-something unemployment and underemployment, grad school became the default – the path of least resistance.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The country's relatively young population - more than 60% are under 30 years old - have been hit particularly hard by high unemployment and underemployment.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underemployment
Cite this Entry
“Underemployment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underemployment. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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