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B2 phrase 11 min read

peu rémunérateur

Examples peu rémunérateur in 30 Seconds
Explanation peu rémunérateur in your Level:
At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words like 'argent' (money) and 'travailler' (to work). 'Peu rémunérateur' is a bit too difficult for a beginner, but you can understand it by breaking it down. 'Peu' means 'not much' or 'little.' 'Rémunérateur' comes from 'pay.' So, it means a job that does not give much money. Beginners would normally say 'C'est un petit salaire' or 'Je ne gagne pas beaucoup.' However, knowing this word helps you understand when people talk about jobs that are not very good for making money. It is an adjective phrase, so it describes a thing, like a job. If you see it, just think: 'Not much money.' It's important to know that in French, we often use 'peu' to make a negative sentence sound more formal. Instead of saying 'not good,' we say 'little good.' This is a very common French way of speaking politely. Even at A1, you can start to recognize that 'peu' is a useful word for many situations where you want to say something is 'not very' much of something. For example, 'peu intéressant' (not very interesting) or 'peu cher' (not very expensive).
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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your work and your daily life in more detail. You might know the word 'payé' (paid). 'Peu rémunérateur' is a more formal version of 'mal payé' (badly paid). You can use it when you want to sound more serious. For example, if you are talking about a job in a shop that is very hard but the money is small, you could say: 'C'est un travail difficile et peu rémunérateur.' Remember that 'peu' is the opposite of 'très' or 'beaucoup.' If a job is 'très rémunérateur,' it pays a lot! So 'peu' makes it the opposite. You should also notice that the ending of 'rémunérateur' can change. If you talk about 'une activité' (a feminine word), you must say 'rémunératrice.' This is a good grammar point to practice at A2. You will see this word in simple news articles or on job websites. It helps you understand the quality of a job. At this level, you can practice replacing 'pas beaucoup d'argent' with 'peu rémunérateur' to improve your vocabulary. It's a great way to move from basic French to a slightly more advanced style.
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As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more complex topics like professional life and social issues. 'Peu rémunérateur' is a perfect word for this level. It allows you to discuss the value of work beyond just saying 'it's cheap.' You can use it to talk about the pros and cons of different careers. For instance, you might say, 'L'art est une passion, mais c'est un domaine peu rémunérateur.' This shows you can use 'mais' (but) to connect two ideas. You should also be aware of the noun 'la rémunération' (the pay/compensation). At B1, you are learning how to form word families. 'Rémunérer' (verb) -> 'Rémunération' (noun) -> 'Rémunérateur' (adjective). Understanding these connections makes it easier to remember the vocabulary. You will also encounter this phrase in discussions about the environment or social work, where the goal is not always profit. It's a key term for expressing nuance. Instead of just saying a job is bad, you are specifying that only the financial part is lacking. This distinction is very important in French culture, where people often value 'la vocation' (a calling) over just a high salary. Using this word correctly shows you understand these cultural and linguistic subtleties.
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At the B2 level, 'peu rémunérateur' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it fluently in both speaking and writing. At this stage, you are expected to understand the difference in register between 'mal payé' and 'peu rémunérateur.' You would use the latter in a formal essay, a business meeting, or a cover letter. You should also be able to use it in its feminine and plural forms without thinking: 'des secteurs peu rémunérateurs,' 'des carrières peu rémunératrices.' At B2, you should also understand the economic context. It's not just about a salary; it can be about an investment or a business strategy. For example, 'Cette stratégie marketing s'est avérée peu rémunératrice.' This shows you can apply the word to abstract concepts. You might also start using it with adverbs of degree like 'particulièrement' or 'relativement' (e.g., 'un secteur relativement peu rémunérateur'). This level of precision is what examiners look for in B2 exams like the DELF. You should also be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Bien que ce poste soit peu rémunérateur, il offre des avantages en nature non négligeables.' This demonstrates your ability to manage subordinate clauses and advanced vocabulary simultaneously.
For C1 learners, 'peu rémunérateur' is a versatile tool for high-level analysis. You should be using it to critique economic systems or discuss complex labor market trends. At this level, you can explore the stylistic choice of using 'peu' + adjective as a form of litotes (understatement) to sound more objective or even slightly ironic. You might compare 'peu rémunérateur' with terms like 'précaire' (precarious) or 'ingrat' (thankless) to show a deep understanding of the French labor market. In a C1 essay, you could discuss 'la dévalorisation des métiers peu rémunérateurs mais essentiels à la société' (the devaluation of low-paid but essential jobs). This shows you can integrate the phrase into a sophisticated argument about social justice. You should also be aware of the nuances in finance, distinguishing between 'peu rémunérateur' (low interest/yield) and 'à perte' (at a loss). Your ability to use the word in the passive voice or within nominalizations—like 'la nature peu rémunératrice de ce secteur'—is expected. At C1, you aren't just using the word; you are manipulating it to fit the precise tone and rhetorical strategy of your discourse. You might even use it to describe a relationship or an intellectual endeavor that doesn't 'pay off' in terms of satisfaction, though this is a more metaphorical and advanced usage.
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At the C2 level, 'peu rémunérateur' is used with total mastery and effortless precision. You understand its place in the history of the French language and its resonance in contemporary political and economic theory. You can use it to navigate the most formal environments, such as diplomatic circles or high-level academic debates. You might use it in a critique of neoliberalism, discussing 'la prolifération d'emplois peu rémunérateurs au sein de l'économie des plateformes.' At this level, you are also sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the phrase within a sentence. You can use it to create a specific atmosphere in creative writing or to provide a sharp, clinical analysis in a technical report. You understand all the subtle synonyms and can explain exactly why 'peu rémunérateur' is preferable to 'modeste' or 'médiocre' in a given context. You might also encounter it in historical texts or classical literature where 'rémunérer' carried broader meanings of 'rewarding' in a moral sense. Your command of the language allows you to use the phrase to express irony, professional distance, or empathetic social critique with equal ease. It is no longer just a vocabulary item but a building block for complex, nuanced thought.
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Examples

peu rémunérateur in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe jobs or investments that pay very little money.
  • A formal alternative to 'mal payé' (poorly paid) used in professional settings.
  • Agrees in gender and number with the noun: peu rémunérateur (m) / peu rémunératrice (f).
  • Common in economic news, job discussions, and sociological analyses of the labor market.
The phrase peu rémunérateur is a sophisticated way to describe a job, activity, or investment that does not yield much financial profit or a high salary. In French, the word 'rémunérateur' comes from the verb 'rémunérer' (to pay or compensate), and the adverb 'peu' means 'little' or 'not very.' Together, they create a formal tone often found in professional, economic, or academic contexts. While 'mal payé' is the common, everyday term for 'poorly paid,' peu rémunérateur suggests a more analytical or objective assessment of the value provided by the work relative to the effort or the market standards.
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Formal and Professional. It is used in news articles, job contracts, and career counseling discussions.

Il a choisi une carrière dans l'enseignement, bien qu'il sache que ce secteur est souvent considéré comme peu rémunérateur.

This expression is particularly useful when discussing the socio-economic status of certain professions, such as the arts, social work, or early-stage research. It doesn't necessarily mean the work is worthless; rather, it highlights the discrepancy between the intrinsic value of the task and the financial compensation received. For instance, an internship might be intellectually stimulating but peu rémunérateur. In a broader economic sense, it can also apply to financial products. A savings account with a 0.5% interest rate is described as a placement peu rémunérateur. The feminine form is peu rémunératrice, which must be used with feminine nouns like 'activité' or 'profession.'
Economic Nuance
It refers to the return on investment (ROI) of time or capital.

Cette activité artisanale est passionnante mais hélas peu rémunératrice.

When we look at the word 'rémunérateur' alone, it implies something that pays well or is profitable. By adding 'peu,' we are qualifying that profitability as low. It is not quite as harsh as 'pas rémunéré' (unpaid), as there is still some payment involved, however small it may be. In the modern gig economy, many freelance gigs are criticized for being peu rémunérateurs despite the high level of skill required.
Synonym comparison
Compared to 'mal payé', 'peu rémunérateur' sounds more objective and less like a personal complaint.

Les livreurs de repas dénoncent un système peu rémunérateur.

L'épargne classique reste peu rémunératrice cette année.

Understanding this phrase is key for B2 learners who need to navigate professional French and understand economic news. It helps in articulating complex views on labor and finance without relying on basic vocabulary.
Using peu rémunérateur correctly involves paying attention to the noun it describes. Since it is an adjective phrase, the word 'rémunérateur' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un travail peu rémunérateur' (masculine singular) versus 'des activités peu rémunératrices' (feminine plural). The placement is almost always after the noun.
Agreement Rule
Masc. Sing: peu rémunérateur; Fem. Sing: peu rémunératrice; Masc. Plur: peu rémunérateurs; Fem. Plur: peu rémunératrices.

Les métiers du soin sont indispensables mais souvent peu rémunérateurs.

You will often see this phrase used in sentences that include a contrast, using words like 'bien que' (although) or 'mais' (but). This is because people usually work for money, so when they choose a job that is peu rémunérateur, there is usually another reason for doing so, such as passion or social impact. In formal writing, such as a cover letter or a business report, you might say: 'Je suis conscient que ce secteur est peu rémunérateur, mais je privilégie l'expérience acquise.' This shows a high level of linguistic competence.
Common Contexts
Employment, Finance, Investment, Sociology, and Career Development.

Le secteur agricole est réputé pour être physiquement exigeant et peu rémunérateur.

It can also be used in the negative to emphasize that something is actually quite profitable: 'Ce n'est pas un métier peu rémunérateur, bien au contraire.' This double negative serves to underscore the high salary. In finance, you might hear a broker say: 'Les obligations d'État sont actuellement peu rémunératrices.' Here, it refers to the low yield or interest rate.

Travailler comme pigiste peut être peu rémunérateur au début d'une carrière.

Certaines missions humanitaires sont peu rémunératrices mais très gratifiantes sur le plan humain.

Sentence Structure
[Noun] + [Verb (être/paraître/sembler)] + peu rémunérateur.
When writing about social issues, you might use the phrase to criticize the state of the economy: 'Le gouvernement doit agir pour que ces métiers essentiels ne soient plus si peu rémunérateurs.' This shows how the phrase can be integrated into political discourse. By mastering the usage of this term, you move beyond basic descriptions of 'money' and start discussing 'remuneration' and 'profitability' like a native speaker.
You are most likely to encounter peu rémunérateur in formal settings. If you listen to French radio stations like France Info or France Culture, you will hear journalists using it when reporting on labor strikes, the cost of living, or corporate earnings. It is the standard term in the 'Économie' section of major newspapers like Le Monde or Les Échos.
Media Usage
Found in economic reports, social critiques, and professional podcasts.

À la radio: 'De nombreux jeunes diplômés se tournent vers des métiers peu rémunérateurs par quête de sens.'

In a corporate environment, a manager might use this phrase during a budget review to explain why certain projects are being deprioritized. They might say, 'Ce projet est trop peu rémunérateur pour l'entreprise à long terme.' This sounds more professional than saying 'it doesn't make enough money.' University lectures on sociology or economics also frequently employ this term. Professors might discuss 'les secteurs peu rémunérateurs' to analyze why certain demographics are stuck in poverty cycles.
Professional Networking
Used on LinkedIn or in career advice articles to describe entry-level positions or specific industries.

Sur LinkedIn: 'Pourquoi choisir un parcours peu rémunérateur peut parfois booster votre carrière.'

You might also hear it in political debates, particularly during discussions about the minimum wage (SMIC) or the status of 'auto-entrepreneurs.' Politicians will argue that certain jobs are 'scandaleusement peu rémunérateurs.'

Journal télévisé: 'Le livret A est devenu un placement peu rémunérateur face à l'inflation.'

Discours politique: 'Nous ne pouvons plus accepter que le travail des agriculteurs soit si peu rémunérateur.'

Frequency
Very high in news, medium in office settings, low in family gatherings.
Finally, in the world of literature or high-end cinema, a character might describe their 'existence peu rémunératrice' to highlight their struggles as a starving artist. It carries a certain dignity that 'mal payé' lacks, focusing on the system rather than just the person's wallet.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is forgetting to agree the adjective 'rémunérateur' with the noun. While 'peu' is an adverb and stays the same, 'rémunérateur' behaves like any other adjective. Many students say 'une activité peu rémunérateur,' which is incorrect; it must be 'une activité peu rémunératrice.'
Gender Agreement
Always check the gender of the noun. Activity (fem), Job (masc), Profession (fem), Placement (masc).

Incorrect: Cette profession est peu rémunérateur.
Correct: Cette profession est peu rémunératrice.

Another common error is confusing 'peu rémunérateur' with 'pas rémunéré.' If a job is 'pas rémunéré,' it means you get zero dollars (an unpaid internship, for example). If it is peu rémunérateur, you are being paid, but the amount is low. Using these interchangeably can lead to significant misunderstandings in a professional context. Learners also sometimes confuse 'peu' with 'un peu.' Saying 'un travail un peu rémunérateur' means the job pays a bit (positive connotation), whereas 'un travail peu rémunérateur' means it doesn't pay much (negative connotation). This distinction is vital for conveying the right tone.
The 'Peu' vs 'Un peu' Trap
'Peu' = Not enough / Very little. 'Un peu' = A small amount / Some.

'Il a un travail peu rémunérateur' (He is poorly paid).
'Il a un travail un peu rémunérateur' (His job pays a little bit, but it's something).

Some people also try to use 'petit rémunérateur,' which is a direct translation of 'small payer' or 'low paying' in a literal sense, but it is not natural French. Stick to 'peu.' Similarly, 'bas rémunérateur' is incorrect; 'bas' is used for 'salaire' (un bas salaire) but not with 'rémunérateur.'

Incorrect: C'est un emploi bas rémunérateur.
Correct: C'est un emploi peu rémunérateur.

Incorrect: Un stage petit rémunérateur.
Correct: Un stage peu rémunérateur.

Spelling Note
Make sure not to forget the accent on 'rémunérateur'. It is 'é' (acute accent).
By avoiding these pitfalls, your French will sound more precise and professional.
If you find yourself repeating peu rémunérateur too often, there are several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. The most direct synonym is 'mal payé,' which is more colloquial and direct. For example, 'Mon boulot est mal payé' is something you would say to a friend.
Mal payé
The standard, everyday way to say poorly paid. Use it in informal settings.

'J'adore mon job, mais c'est vraiment mal payé.'

Another option is 'ingrat.' This word implies that the work is not only peu rémunérateur but also difficult and unrecognized. It carries a sense of emotional or physical burden that isn't rewarded. In a more economic or financial context, you can use 'peu rentable.' This doesn't just apply to salaries but to business ventures or investments. If a company has a project that is 'peu rentable,' it means the profit margin is very low.
Peu rentable
Refers to profitability and ROI rather than just a paycheck.

'Investir dans cette vieille usine serait peu rentable.'

If the pay is so low it's almost insulting, you might use 'dérisoire.' This means 'ridiculous' or 'laughable.' A 'salaire dérisoire' is a very strong way to criticize a low wage.
Modeste
A polite way to say low. 'Un salaire modeste' sounds more respectful than 'mal payé'.

'Il vit avec des revenus modestes.'

'Ce secteur est connu pour ses conditions précaires et ses postes peu rémunérateurs.'

Finally, 'symbolique' can be used if the payment is just a token amount. 'Une rémunération symbolique' is often given for volunteer work or minor tasks. Comparing these terms allows you to choose the exact level of intensity and formality required for your situation.
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Examples by Level

1

Ce petit job est peu rémunérateur.

This small job is poorly paid.

Simple adjective use after 'est'.

2

C'est un travail peu rémunérateur.

It is a poorly paid job.

Adjective follows the noun 'travail'.

3

Mon stage est peu rémunérateur.

My internship is poorly paid.

Possessive adjective 'mon' + noun + verb + adjective.

4

Ce n'est pas très rémunérateur.

It is not very rewarding/paying.

Negative form using 'ne... pas'.

5

Le métier de serveur est peu rémunérateur.

The waiter profession is poorly paid.

Subject is 'Le métier de serveur'.

6

Elle a un emploi peu rémunérateur.

She has a poorly paid job.

Verb 'avoir' + noun + adjective.

7

C'est peu rémunérateur, mais j'aime ça.

It's poorly paid, but I like it.

Using 'mais' for contrast.

8

Est-ce que c'est peu rémunérateur ?

Is it poorly paid?

Question form using 'Est-ce que'.

1

Je cherche un travail, mais celui-ci est peu rémunérateur.

I am looking for a job, but this one is poorly paid.

Use of 'celui-ci' to refer to the job.

2

Cette activité est peu rémunératrice pour nous.

This activity is not very profitable for us.

Feminine agreement: 'rémunératrice'.

3

Ils ont des postes peu rémunérateurs dans cette usine.

They have poorly paid positions in this factory.

Plural masculine agreement: 'rémunérateurs'.

4

Il ne veut pas d'un métier peu rémunérateur.

He doesn't want a poorly paid profession.

Negative 'ne... pas' with 'de'.

5

L'agriculture est souvent un secteur peu rémunérateur.

Agriculture is often a poorly paid sector.

Adverb 'souvent' placed before the adjective phrase.

6

Ma première profession était peu rémunératrice.

My first profession was poorly paid.

Imperfect tense 'était' + feminine agreement.

7

Ce placement à la banque est peu rémunérateur.

This bank investment is poorly paying (low interest).

Used in a financial context.

8

Pourquoi est-ce si peu rémunérateur ?

Why is it so poorly paid?

Use of 'si' to mean 'so'.

1

Bien que le poste soit peu rémunérateur, il offre de l'expérience.

Although the position is poorly paid, it offers experience.

Subjunctive mood 'soit' after 'bien que'.

2

Le secteur associatif est connu pour être peu rémunérateur.

The non-profit sector is known for being poorly paid.

Passive construction 'est connu pour être'.

3

Elle a quitté son emploi car il était trop peu rémunérateur.

She left her job because it was too poorly paid.

Causal conjunction 'car'.

4

Les métiers artistiques sont souvent peu rémunérateurs au début.

Artistic professions are often poorly paid at the beginning.

Plural masculine agreement.

5

Je ne peux pas accepter un contrat si peu rémunérateur.

I cannot accept such a poorly paid contract.

Modal verb 'pouvoir' + infinitive.

6

Cette mission humanitaire est gratifiante mais peu rémunératrice.

This humanitarian mission is rewarding but poorly paid.

Comparison between two adjectives.

7

Il est difficile de vivre avec un travail peu rémunérateur en ville.

It is difficult to live with a poorly paid job in the city.

Impersonal 'Il est difficile de'.

8

On m'a proposé une pige peu rémunératrice.

I was offered a poorly paid freelance gig.

Passive 'On m'a proposé'.

1

Le gouvernement s'inquiète de l'augmentation des emplois peu rémunérateurs.

The government is worried about the increase in poorly paid jobs.

Preposition 'de' + definite article 'l''.

2

Ce type d'investissement s'avère peu rémunérateur à long terme.

This type of investment proves to be poorly paying in the long run.

Pronominal verb 's'avérer'.

3

Il a décliné l'offre, la jugeant trop peu rémunératrice pour ses compétences.

He declined the offer, judging it too poorly paid for his skills.

Present participle 'jugeant' used as an explanation.

4

Les livreurs dénoncent un modèle économique peu rémunérateur.

Delivery drivers denounce a poorly paying economic model.

Verb 'dénoncer' in a social context.

5

Certaines carrières sont prestigieuses tout en restant peu rémunératrices.

Some careers are prestigious while remaining poorly paid.

Gerund 'tout en restant'.

6

L'épargne classique est devenue peu rémunératrice avec la baisse des taux.

Traditional savings have become poorly paying with the drop in rates.

Past participle 'devenue' agreeing with 'épargne'.

7

Il est rare qu'un poste si peu rémunérateur exige autant de diplômes.

It is rare for such a poorly paid position to require so many degrees.

Subjunctive mood 'exige' after 'Il est rare que'.

8

Le secteur de l'artisanat peut être peu rémunérateur sans une bonne stratégie.

The craft sector can be poorly paying without a good strategy.

Conditional context with 'sans'.

1

La tertiarisation de l'économie a favorisé l'émergence de services peu rémunérateurs.

The tertiarization of the economy has favored the emergence of low-paying services.

Academic vocabulary 'tertiarisation' and 'émergence'.

2

Une activité peu rémunératrice peut néanmoins générer d'importantes externalités positives.

A low-paying activity can nonetheless generate significant positive externalities.

Use of 'externalités' (economic term) and 'néanmoins'.

3

On assiste à une paupérisation des professions autrefois peu rémunératrices mais stables.

We are witnessing a pauperization of professions that were once low-paying but stable.

Noun 'paupérisation' and adverb 'autrefois'.

4

L'auteur déplore le caractère peu rémunérateur de la recherche fondamentale.

The author deplores the low-paying nature of fundamental research.

Nominalization 'le caractère peu rémunérateur'.

5

Il serait vain de poursuivre une voie si peu rémunératrice sans soutien public.

It would be futile to pursue such a low-paying path without public support.

Conditional mood 'serait' and adjective 'vain'.

6

Le rendement de ces obligations est jugé peu rémunérateur par les analystes.

The yield on these bonds is deemed low-paying by analysts.

Passive voice 'est jugé'.

7

Malgré leur utilité sociale, ces métiers demeurent peu rémunérateurs.

Despite their social utility, these trades remain low-paying.

Prepositional phrase 'Malgré leur utilité sociale'.

8

Le passage d'un emploi lucratif à un projet peu rémunérateur demande du courage.

Moving from a lucrative job to a low-paying project requires courage.

Contrast between 'lucratif' and 'peu rémunérateur'.

1

L'iniquité salariale se manifeste souvent par le confinement des femmes dans des niches peu rémunératrices.

Wage inequity often manifests in the confinement of women to low-paying niches.

Complex sociological terminology 'iniquité', 'manifeste', 'confinement'.

2

Il convient d'interroger la pérennité d'un système fondé sur une main-d'œuvre si peu rémunératrice.

It is appropriate to question the sustainability of a system based on such low-paid labor.

Formal structure 'Il convient de' and noun 'pérennité'.

3

L'attrait pour ces fonctions, bien que peu rémunératrices, réside dans leur capital symbolique.

The appeal of these roles, though low-paying, lies in their symbolic capital.

Sociological concept 'capital symbolique' (Bourdieu).

4

La structure même du marché du travail tend à marginaliser les activités peu rémunératrices.

The very structure of the labor market tends to marginalize low-paying activities.

Adverbial 'même' following the noun for emphasis.

5

On ne saurait occulter le caractère peu rémunérateur de cette filière universitaire.

One cannot ignore the low-paying nature of this university track.

Formal negative 'On ne saurait' (one cannot/should not).

6

L'arbitrage entre passion et profit conduit souvent à accepter des mandats peu rémunérateurs.

The trade-off between passion and profit often leads to accepting low-paying mandates.

Economic term 'arbitrage' used metaphorically.

7

L'atrophie des salaires dans les secteurs peu rémunérateurs menace la cohésion sociale.

The atrophy of wages in low-paying sectors threatens social cohesion.

Metaphorical use of 'atrophie'.

8

Cette dérive vers des contrats toujours plus précaires et peu rémunérateurs est alarmante.

This drift towards ever more precarious and low-paying contracts is alarming.

Noun 'dérive' and comparative 'toujours plus'.

Synonyms

mal payé peu rentable ingrat modeste
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