wage slave
The term "wage slave" is often used to describe a person who feels trapped in their job due to financial necessity, highlighting issues of economic dependency and lack of autonomy.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)A person who feels compelled to work in a job they dislike because they need the income to survive.
Example
- Despite hating his job, John feels like a wage slave because he can't afford to quit.
C1Sociology
(informal, critical)An individual who perceives their employment as exploitative, feeling that they have no choice but to continue working due to financial obligations.
Example
- Many workers in low-paying jobs often describe themselves as wage slaves, feeling exploited and undervalued.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wage slave":