OpenSynonym

wage slaves

/weɪdʒ sleɪvz/

NOUN

1. People dependent on wages for a living

People who work for an employer in exchange for wages and depend on that employment for their livelihood, often implying limited freedom, control, or satisfaction in their working lives.

1.1. Employees dependent on paid work

People who earn their living by working for an employer and rely on regular wages to meet their financial needs and obligations.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • In the fast-paced corporate world, many employees feel like wage slaves with little control over their work-life balance.
  • Some workers dream of breaking free from the cycle of being wage slaves and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
  • The labor union fought for the rights of wage slaves, advocating for fair pay and improved working conditions.

Related Words

  • assistants
  • associates
  • co-workers
  • colleagues
  • coworkers
  • temporaries
  • temps
  • retainers
  • subordinates

1.2. People performing tedious or exhausting labor

People who perform repetitive, physically demanding, or unpleasant work, often under difficult conditions and with little independence.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The documentary shed light on the struggles of modern wage slaves and the impact of long working hours on mental health.

Related Words

  • manual labor
  • physical work
  • working class
  • industrial workers
  • labor
  • working conditions

1.3. Subordinate or dependent workers

People who work under the authority or direction of an employer or superior, particularly in positions with limited independence or decision-making power.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The novel portrayed a dystopian society where individuals were trapped as wage slaves in a system that prioritized profit over well-being.

Related Words

  • assistants
  • associates
  • colleagues
  • coworkers
  • staff
  • management
  • workplace hierarchy