What is the term for individuals employed in jobs that offer fewer hours than they desire?

The term "underemployed" refers to individuals who are working in jobs that do not provide the desired number of hours or full utilization of their skills and education. This can encompass part-time workers who wish to work full-time, those in jobs that significantly underuse their qualifications, or both. Recognizing someone as underemployed highlights a mismatch between the individual's skills, availability, and the job opportunities actually accessible to them.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it can affect economic measurements like the unemployment rate. While underemployed individuals are not counted among the officially unemployed, their situation reflects a form of economic distress and inefficiency that can impact overall productivity and labor market health. Identifying underemployment is important for policymakers and economists to ensure that the labor market functions effectively and that workers can find opportunities that match their skills and desired working hours.