Low wages refer to the amount of money that workers earn for their labor, which is often not enough to cover basic living expenses. When people receive low wages, they may struggle to pay for necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. This can lead to financial stress and limit their ability to save for the future or invest in education. Many workers in industries such as retail and hospitality often face low wages, making it difficult for them to improve their quality of life. Efforts to raise the minimum wage aim to help these individuals earn a living wage, allowing them to support themselves and their families more effectively.