compensation

noun

com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-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 

-shə-nᵊl

-ˌpen-

adjective

Synonyms

• damages
• indemnification
• indemnity
• quittance
• recompense
• recoupment
• redress
• remuneration
• reparation
• reprisal(s)
• requital
• restitution
• satisfaction

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

The overtime is being done with without compensation and benefits. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Jan. 2025

Black workers impressed into service, both free and enslaved, did receive compensation, but how much varied from place-to-place and person-to-person. —Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025

The estate of Joseph Shuster, the co-creator of Superman, alleges that WBD lost its international rights to the character and story years ago but continued to exploit them without its permission or compensation. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025

Costco's compensation and benefits are factors in its high employee retention rate, especially for the retail industry, the company has said. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see compensate

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing compensation

• seek compensation
• unemployment compensation
• workmen's compensation insurance

Kids Definition

compensation

noun

com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 

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- 

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 

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 services

—U.S. Constitution art. I