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remuneration

rih-myoo-nuh-RAY-shun /rɪˌmjuːnəˈreɪʃn/

nounC1GREGMATCAT

formallegal

Money paid for work or a service, encompassing salary, bonuses, and benefits.

Much broader than just basic 'salary' or 'wage'; includes equity, healthcare, performance perks, and retirement contributions.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'munus' was a public duty or gift given to the state. When someone rendered service, returning a gift back to them ('re-munerari') became the formal concept of granting a reward or payment.

Word relationships

compensation: Compensation is widely used in North American corporate settings, whereas remuneration is preferred in British English and global legal documents.
pay: Pay is informal and usually refers strictly to the monetary earnings on a paystub.

non-payment: The complete failure or refusal to provide money owed for labor.

Commonly confused with

renunciation: Renunciation means formally giving up a belief or claim; remuneration means paying for services.

Word family

remunerate (verb): To pay someone for services rendered.
remunerative (adjective): Financially rewarding or profitable.

Collocations

executive remuneration
fair remuneration
remuneration committee
total remuneration

Example sentences

"Executive remuneration packages are increasingly tied to sustainability metrics rather than short-term stock performance." Corporate Governance
"The contract guarantees full remuneration during medical leave up to ninety days." Employment Contract

Memory hook

RE-MUNERATION is giving back MONEY to nation's workers for their service. Re-MUNER-ation = Return MUN-ey (money) for work.

When not to use

Avoid in casual conversation; asking a colleague 'What is your remuneration?' sounds stiff and overly legalistic.

Fun facts

A frequent spelling error is 'renumeration' (flipping 'm' and 'n'), mistaking it for the root of 'number'.