unpaid

The word "unpaid" means that money has not been given for goods, services, work, or debts. It is more than just not having money exchanged; it often suggests that something is still owed. You might see an "unpaid balance" on your credit card statement, which means you still owe that amount. A worker could also be described as "unpaid" if they have not received their wages, and that can sometimes lead to legal issues.

However, "unpaid" is not always negative. It often appears in the context of volunteer work or internships where people offer their time and skills without expecting money. An "unpaid internship" can be a valuable learning experience, even though it does not come with a paycheck.

The key idea is expectation. If payment was promised but not given, "unpaid" points to a problem or unfairness. But if the work is offered freely, "unpaid" simply describes the arrangement. You might say, "She dedicated countless unpaid hours to the charity," to highlight her generous contribution.

So, whether it is a bill that still needs attention or a generous act of service, "unpaid" always points to something for which money has not been given, either because it is still owed or because no payment was expected.