sweat equity

American  

noun

1. unreimbursed labor that results in the increased value of property or that is invested to establish or expand an enterprise.

---

Etymology

Origin of sweat equity

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Working with civil rights activist Bob Woodson, the two developed a program to allow people in public housing to put in sweat equity and eventually gain ownership of their units.

From Washington Times • Jan. 1, 2024

Viewers may notice how much this sounds like Steve's observations about home repair and sweat equity in the previous episode.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2023

The money for “City” came from gifts, half from Lannan, as well as from Heizer’s own wallet and sweat equity.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 21, 2022

Before the surge, the woman born Amerylus Cooper had put days and nights of sweat equity into opening the center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2022

Burr suggests searching for a less expensive fixer upper where value can be added over time with sweat equity.

From Washington Post • May 25, 2022