unearned

adjective

un·​earned ˌən-ˈərnd How to pronounce unearned (audio)
1
: not gained by labor, service, or skill
unearned income
2
: scored as a result of an error by the opposing team
an unearned run

Examples of unearned in a Sentence

Bank interest is regarded as unearned income.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dodgers scored six unearned runs in the five games, the Yankees none. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The Yankees made five errors in the series, leading to six unearned runs. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 The Dodgers had tied the game with five unearned runs. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Issue 1 proponents say Ohio's current maps give Republicans an unearned advantage. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unearned 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unearned was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unearned

Cite this Entry

“Unearned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unearned. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unearned

adjective
un·​earned ˌən-ˈərnd How to pronounce unearned (audio)
ˈən-
: not gained by labor, service, or skill
unearned income
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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