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Unearned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unearned

[หŒสŒnหˆษœหrnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in the context of rewards

Not deserved or justified by one's actions or qualities.

Synonyms

undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unearned

Utilize this when the attention is on something received without effort, such as income or praise.

  • He received unearned income from his investments
  • The praise she got was unearned
undeserved

Suitable for situations where someone receives something, usually praise or punishment, that is not justified.

  • His punishment was undeserved
  • She thinks the award was undeserved
unmerited

Best applied in formal contexts to express that something was granted without merit or worth.

  • The accolades were unmerited
  • He experienced unmerited success in his career
unwarranted

Appropriate when describing actions or reactions that lack justification or reason, with a slightly negative tone.

  • His anger was unwarranted
  • The criticism was completely unwarranted

Examples of usage

  • The bonus was unearned and therefore had to be returned.
  • She felt guilty about receiving unearned praise for someone else's work.
Context #2 | Adjective

in the context of income

Not gained or achieved through work or effort.

Synonyms

unmerited, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unearned

Use this word when referring to something received without having worked for it, typically involving money or benefits.

  • The interest on his savings account is unearned income.
  • She enjoyed unearned privileges because of her family connections.
unmerited

This term fits situations where something is given or received without any merit or worthiness, often implying that it's beyond what one's actions or qualities justify.

  • The praise he received was unmerited.
  • Her unmerited success stirred a lot of jealousy among her peers.
unwarranted

This word should be used when describing something that is given or done without proper reason or justification. It often implies that the action or outcome is unnecessary or inappropriate.

  • The police action was deemed unwarranted by the community.
  • Her concerns were largely unwarranted given the situation.

Examples of usage

  • He lived off unearned income from his investments.
  • She inherited a fortune of unearned wealth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economics, unearned income refers to money gained without working, such as dividends or rental income.
  • Debate around unearned income often includes concerns over wealth inequality and the ethics of capital gains.
  • 'Unearned' benefits might sometimes be viewed as controversial, particularly in discussions about welfare and assistance programs.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the moral implications of receiving unearned rewards in contexts such as justice and entitlement.
  • The term raises questions about meritocracy, where society evaluates individuals based on earned achievements.
  • Debates over unearned advantages often focus on systemic inequalities, challenging the notion of 'fair play' in society.

Psychology

  • Receiving unearned rewards can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety, particularly if one feels undeserving.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when individuals have unearned advantages but perceive themselves as hard workers.
  • Research suggests that self-esteem can be affected by the perception of earning versus receiving benefits without effort.

Popular Culture

  • Many movies and books explore themes of unearned fortune, often illustrating the consequences of getting something without effort.
  • Popular personalities discuss unearned fame in societal debates about celebrity culture and its impact on aspirations and values.
  • Reality shows frequently highlight contestants who gain advantages, creating intrigue around the concept of earning in competitive environments.

Origin of 'unearned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'earned', which comes from the Old English 'earnian', meaning 'to earn or gain'.
  • Usage of 'unearned' can be traced back to the 15th century, often related to money or benefits not worked for.
  • It reflects a concept in both morality and economics, often bringing discussions about fairness.

The word 'unearned' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'earned' which comes from the Old English word 'earnian' meaning 'deserve, earn, or work for'. The concept of unearned rewards or income has been discussed in various philosophical and economic contexts throughout history, questioning the fairness and morality of receiving something without effort or merit.

See also: earn, earned, earnest, earning, earnings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,023, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.