Synonyms for

Unpaid

Verb / ʌˈnpeɪd / Another word for unpaid — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not paid; not receiving payment for work done

Synonyms & similar words

recreational amateur volunteer paid uncompensated voluntary gratuitous unremunerated unrewarded uncompensable gratis unprofitable unreturned unrecompensed unrequited unvalued unacknowledged unappreciated unthanked unrepaid unanswered unreturned due owing

Synonyms by register

Formal

gratuitous voluntary unremunerated honorary

Informal

for free on the house pro bono volunteer

Literary

gratis benevolent

Antonyms

paid compensated remunerated salaried employed funded bankrolled

Common collocations

  • unpaid work
  • unpaid leave
  • unpaid bills
  • unpaid debt
  • unpaid invoice
  • unpaid intern
  • unpaid overtime
  • unpaid taxes

Word family

noun unpayment
adjective unpaid

Usage note

Often used to describe work done without financial compensation, such as volunteering or internships. Can also refer to debts or bills that have not yet been settled.

Example sentences

  1. My dad's boss asked him to work overtime but he said it would have to be unpaid.
  2. I want to volunteer at the animal shelter but it's unpaid work.
  3. Some people work for free because they believe in the cause, but it's still unpaid.
  4. I did an unpaid internship to gain experience in my field.
  5. She had to take an unpaid leave of absence from work when her son got sick.

Quotes

  • Success should be measured by how much happiness your work brings you and not by how much unpaid overtime you can stomach.
  • I think we all need to take an unpaid break from worrying about the world and just enjoy the simple things in life.
  • I'm not doing unpaid work anymore. If they want my talent, they need to pay for it.

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