Unearned: meaning, definitions and examples
🎁
unearned
[ ˌʌnˈɜːrnd ]
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.
in the context of income
Not gained or achieved through work or effort.
Synonyms
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
Word origin
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.