compensation
noun
-ˌpen- \
Definition of compensation
1a : 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
2a(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
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Other words from compensation
-shə-nᵊl,
-ˌpen-
\
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms for compensation
Synonyms
disbursement, giving, paying, payment, remitment, remittance, remuneration
Antonyms
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Examples of compensation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Families of each victim could receive up to 1.4 million Thai baht ($42,000) in compensation, officials said. — Fox News, "Thai police: Investigations into boat sinkings are advancing," 10 July 2018 Two other executives, Lorelle Bestervelt and Thomas Chestnut, also topped $1 million in total compensation. — John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, "Ethics charges could hurt fight against Legionnaires' disease," 5 July 2018 Greater contributions by individuals with no increase in benefits amounts to a cut in compensation. — Joe Davidson, chicagotribune.com, "Rebuking Trump, Senate panel approves federal pay raise, but House plans big hit on pensions," 21 June 2018 Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath rolled out a starting lineup against Cincinnati that, according to the MLS Players Union salary information, is pulling down more than $2.2 million in total compensation this season. — Patrick Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Minnesota United: Cincinnati 'is going to be an intimidating environment' in MLS," 8 June 2018 Last year, Sardar Biglari pocketed almost $8.3 million in compensation from Biglari Holdings, federal corporate filings. — Richard Webner, San Antonio Express-News, "Biglari company hit with federal fine for lack of public disclosure," 1 June 2018 Frank alleges that Eagan Avenatti owed him millions in unpaid compensation. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Michael Avenatti’s Law Firm Hit With $10 Million Judgment," 22 May 2018 The Irish government paid Mellet €30,000 (about $37,000 today) in compensation. — Jennifer Duggan, Marie Claire, "Irish Women Want Their Bodies Back," 15 May 2018 His one major setback -- T-Mobile -- cost him personally $2 million in compensation in 2011 when the deal failed. — Scott Moritz, Bloomberg.com, "AT&T's M&A Fumble Still Leaves CEO With More Wins Than Losses," 12 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compensation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for compensation
compensation
noun
English Language Learners Definition of compensation
: something that is done or given to make up for damage, trouble, etc.
: something good that acts as a balance against something bad or undesirable
: payment given for doing a job
See the full definition for compensation in the English Language Learners Dictionary
compensation
noun
\
Kids Definition of compensation
1 : something that makes up for or is given to make up for something else
2 : money paid regularly When the business was struggling, she worked without compensation.
compensation
noun
\
Medical Definition of compensation
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
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compensation
noun
\
Legal Definition of compensation
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
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