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 Hudson Stockton took over for Martinez when the game resumed on Saturday and gave up an unearned run in the first, but got out of a bases loaded jam with an inning ending double play. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2024 Marsh was charged with an unearned run and escaped further trouble. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for unearned 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unearned.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 May. 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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