piecework
UK[ˈpiːswɜːk]US[ˈpiːswɜːrk]
n
Work paid for according to the amount produced, rather than the time spent doing it.
Morpheme Breakdown
piece
work
piece
work
Etymology
The term 'piecework' is a transparent English compound formed from two native Germanic elements. 'Piece' entered Middle English from Old French, itself derived from a Late Latin word 'pettia', likely of Gaulish origin, carrying the core sense of a part or bit. 'Work' has a direct lineage from the Old English 'weorc', tracing back to the Proto-Germanic 'werkan' and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root 'werg-', meaning "to do". The compound logically describes a system of labor where compensation is directly tied to the completion of individual, countable units ('pieces') of output, contrasting with time-based wages. This reflects an industrial and manufacturing logic where labor is quantified and commodified into discrete, measurable products.
Analysis
Structure: piece + work
- piece: From Old French 'piece', meaning a part or fragment. In this compound, it signifies a distinct, countable unit of production.
- work: From Old English 'weorc', meaning labor or task. It denotes the activity of production.
Examples
Many garment factory workers are paid by piecework, earning more for each completed shirt.
The shift from hourly wages to piecework increased productivity but also raised concerns about worker safety.
He prefers piecework because it allows him to control his pace and maximize his earnings.