What does unpaid mean?
Unpaid describes money that has not yet been given, or work and services performed without payment. An unpaid invoice or bill remains outstanding, while unpaid wages indicate that an employee has worked without receiving the promised remuneration. The word can therefore point to a temporary delay, an unresolved financial obligation, or a deliberate arrangement in which someone contributes labour without being paid. It is common in both British and American English and is used in ordinary business, employment, legal, and personal contexts. Although unpaid is broadly neutral, its mention often draws attention to an imbalance, a delay, or the need for payment. It is especially useful when the distinction between a service being provided and compensation for that service needs to be made explicit.
adjectiveNot yet paid or still owed. Also, of work or services, performed without payment or remuneration.
- Not yet paid; still due or awaiting payment.
- Performed without payment or remuneration.
- Not subject to or covered by payment.
"The contractor continued working despite several months of unpaid invoices."
"The landlord is still waiting for the unpaid rent."
"She spent the summer doing unpaid research for the charity."
Unpaid is the word for a promise that has not yet been kept with money.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unpaid come from?
Unpaid was formed in English by adding the productive prefix un- to paid, creating the meaning not paid. The element paid derives ultimately from Old French payer and Latin pacare, associated with making an agreement or settling an obligation. Related English words such as pay, payment, payout, and repay belong to the same etymological family.
How unpaid is actually used
Chiefly used as an adjective. It is neutral in tone but can imply delay, neglect, or financial hardship when describing unpaid bills or wages. In employment contexts, unremunerated is a more formal alternative.