accrued

American  

[uh-krood] / əˈkrud /

adjective

1. added as a matter of periodic gain or advantage, as interest on money.

   Each year, grants from the accrued interest on the trust fund are awarded to agencies and programs serving the Navajo Nation.

2. happening or coming as or through a natural growth or addition; accumulated.

   The handmade ornaments speak of generations of accrued skill and a high degree of workmanship.

3. Law. noting a right or demand that has become present and enforceable.

   Termination will not affect the accrued rights of either party under this Agreement.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of accrue.

Other Word Forms

• nonaccrued adjective
• unaccrued adjective

Etymology

Origin of accrued

accrue ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does accrued compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• incurred vs. accrued

Explanation

If something accumulates over a period of time, you can describe this with the adjective accrued. The principal in your bank account is so small, you'll never get rich off the accrued interest. You'd better plan on getting a job. The adjective accrued comes from the Old French word acreu, meaning growth or increase, which is what the modern word describes as well — something that grows or accumulates over time. You forgot to pay your taxes on time. Now, with the accrued fees and penalties, you now owe twice as much as you did originally. The government is happy to take the extra money, but you should try to avoid that costly mistake in the future.

Example Sentences

Each hour of leave is paid based on an employee’s final salary — not what they were earning when the time was accrued.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Hemedti, a camel trader turned successful businessman, accrued much wealth from his position as head of a powerful paramilitary force.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Data-storage company Western Digital sued the government this month for $20.8 million in interest it accrued during the pandemic on a tax dispute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

I take that as proof that the web-hosting company—which you usually hear about during podcast advertisement breaks—has accrued more juice than I could ever have imagined.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

But he had also spent those same years marveling at the benefits that accrued to anyone willing to pose for posterity in the mythical mode.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis