compensation

noun

com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce compensation (audio)
-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
compensational
ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce compensation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-ˌpen-
adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bonus hit comes after the company altered its compensation plan for fiscal 2023. Bysasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 Instead, under a new agreement with market traders, the corporation will provide financial compensation and advice. Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 The airline may offer other compensation for any significant changes. Marisa Garcia, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 His recommendations center on increasing access to property and economic opportunities, including financial compensation, homebuyer assistance, small business grants, scholarships, workforce training and neighborhood investments. Malachi Barrett, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compensation 

Word History

Etymology

see compensate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compensation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near compensation

Cite this Entry

“Compensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

compensation

noun
com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce compensation (audio)
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- How to pronounce compensation (audio)
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 How to pronounce compensation (audio)
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 servicesU.S. Constitution art. I

More from Merriam-Webster on compensation

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