unearned

American  

[uhn-urnd] / ʌnˈɜrnd /

adjective

1. not received in exchange for labor or services; not gained by lawful work or employment.

2. not earned; earn; unmerited; undeserved.

   unearned promotion.

3. not yet earned: earn.

   Lenders are not permitted to take borrowers' unearned wages as collateral.

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unearned British  

/ ʌnˈɜːnd /

adjective

1. not deserved

2. not yet earned

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Etymology

Origin of unearned

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; un- ¹, earn ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Yet Mr. Corinth and Ms. Mayhew did find that the larger and more credible studies—such as the one Mr. Altman backed—showed that unearned income has a negative impact on a person’s willingness to work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

But there is no law for those wearing unearned medals - or those who simply lie about their background without dressing up in uniform.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Initially, it was planned for Season 4, and we just felt it was unearned by the end of it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

That means any earnings from a Trump account will be included in the child’s total unearned income and taxed for the year if withdrawn before he or she turns age 59½.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

Cancer Perks are the little things cancer kids get that regular kids don’t: basketballs signed by sports heroes, free passes on late homework, unearned driver’s licenses, etc.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green