compensation
noun
com·pen·sa·tion
ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 
-ˌpen-
1
a
: the act of compensating : the state of being compensated
b
: correction of an organic defect or loss by hypertrophy or by increased functioning of another organ or unimpaired parts of the same organ
c
: a psychological mechanism by which feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one field are counterbalanced by achievement in another
2
a(1)
: something that constitutes an equivalent or recompense
Age has its compensations.
Moving to the coast had some drawbacks, but there were also compensations.
(2)
: payment to unemployed or injured workers or their dependents
receiving compensation from his employer
b
: payment, remuneration
working without compensation
Synonyms
Examples of compensation in a Sentence
The court awarded the victims millions of dollars in compensation.
She offered to pay for lunch as compensation for keeping me waiting.
Moving to the coast had some drawbacks, but there were also compensations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Increase flexibility Behind pay/compensation, work-life balance/flexibility and work schedules tied at 55% of survey results as two of the most important factors frontline employees consider when choosing an employer.
—
Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The compensation is on the high end of the pay range advertised months ago for the position by Bob Murray and Associates, the Northern California firm that led the nationwide chief search.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Workers have repeatedly pushed for higher compensation as the cost of living in the Seattle area — where technology giants like Microsoft and Amazon have ramped up staffing — has surged in recent years.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
This results in compensation for young professionals who are able to buy new cars, furnish apartments and establish themselves.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compensation 
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Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The compensation is on the high end of the pay range advertised months ago for the position by Bob Murray and Associates, the Northern California firm that led the nationwide chief search.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Workers have repeatedly pushed for higher compensation as the cost of living in the Seattle area — where technology giants like Microsoft and Amazon have ramped up staffing — has surged in recent years.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
This results in compensation for young professionals who are able to buy new cars, furnish apartments and establish themselves.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compensation
Dictionary Entries Near compensation
Cite this Entry
“Compensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensation. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compensation
noun
com·pen·sa·tion
ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən
1
: the act of compensating : the state of being compensated
2
a
: something that compensates
especially
: payment to an unemployed or injured worker
b
: payment in the form of salary or wages
Medical Definition
compensation
noun
com·pen·sa·tion
ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-
1
: correction of an organic defect by excessive development or by increased functioning of another organ or unimpaired parts of the same organ
cardiac compensation
see decompensation
2
: a psychological mechanism by which feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one field are counterbalanced by achievement in another
Legal Definition
compensation
noun
com·pen·sa·tion
ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən
1
: the act of compensating
2
in the civil law of Louisiana
: the ending of mutual obligations between two people for money or quantities of fungible things usually by operation of law but sometimes by an agreement
3
: something that makes up for a loss
received compensation for the breach of contract
specifically
: payment to unemployed or injured workers or their dependents see also unemployment compensation, workers' compensation
4
: payment for a thing of value tendered or a service rendered
the Senators and Representatives shall receive compensation for their services—U.S. Constitution art. I
U.S. Constitution art. ILove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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