compensation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
money that you receive because you were injured or something you own was damaged.
something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering.
Simple“The airline offered the passengers financial compensation for the long delay.”
In context“The court ordered the company to pay substantial compensation to the workers who had been exposed to hazardous chemicals without proper safety equipment.”
UsageOften used with the verb 'claim' or 'award'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the total amount of money and other benefits an employee receives for their work.
the total amount of the monetary and non-monetary pay provided to an employee by an employer.
Simple“The job offer includes a competitive salary and a generous compensation package.”
In context“The executive's total compensation includes a base salary, annual bonuses, and stock options based on the firm's performance.”
UsageCommon in human resources and corporate contexts.
Teacher's tipIn American English, this is the standard formal term for a 'pay package'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
something that makes a bad situation feel better or balances out a problem.
the process of concealing or offsetting a psychological or physical defect by developing another trait.
Simple“His great sense of humor was a compensation for his lack of confidence.”
In context“The patient's brain showed remarkable compensation, with the healthy hemisphere taking over functions previously managed by the damaged area.”
UsageOften used in psychological or biological contexts.
Synonyms
“And sure enough at the end of the season he did join City, who had to pay Chelsea a huge compensation figure, even though he was no longer their manager.”
“Some passengers may also be entitled to financial compensation when a cancellation or delay is due to the strike.”
From Middle English compensacioun, from Old French compensacion, from Latin compensātiōnem, accusative singular of compensātiō. Equivalent to compensate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.