adjective
- having less work than one wants or is capable of doing; working in a job that does not fully use one’s skills or education
Usage: economics; labor market
Examples
- Many college graduates feel underemployed in entry-level positions.
- The economic recession left millions of workers underemployed.
- She was underemployed as a part-time cashier despite her engineering degree.
- Underemployed workers often seek additional income through side jobs.
- The company’s downsizing left several skilled employees underemployed.
- He felt underemployed working only 20 hours per week when he needed full-time work.