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Unearned: meaning, definitions and examples

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unearned

 

[ ˌʌnˈɜːrnd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in the context of rewards

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

Synonyms

undeserved, unmerited, 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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "unearned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não ganho

🇮🇳 अर्जित नहीं

🇩🇪 nicht verdient

🇮🇩 tidak diperoleh

🇺🇦 незароблений

🇵🇱 niezarobiony

🇯🇵 稼いでいない

🇫🇷 non gagné

🇪🇸 no ganado

🇹🇷 kazanılmamış

🇰🇷 얻지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مكتسب

🇨🇿 nevydělaný

🇸🇰 nezarobený

🇨🇳 未获得

🇸🇮 nepridobljen

🇮🇸 óunnið

🇰🇿 алынбаған

🇬🇪 არგანსახურებული

🇦🇿 qazanılmamış

🇲🇽 no ganado

Etymology

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.