unearned increment

noun

1. the increase in the value of property, especially land, due to natural causes, as growth of population, rather than to any labor or expenditure by the owner.

unearned increment

noun

1. a rise in the market value of landed property resulting from general economic factors

Word History and Origins

Origin of unearned increment¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

That is why John Stuart Mill, the classical economist, referred to such increases in land value as “unearned increments.”

From Voice of San Diego

If any one else gets money in this way they call it an unearned increment.

From Project Gutenberg

This unearned increment of reputation, compounded annually, is all that keeps some ancient authors alive nowadays.

From Project Gutenberg

Apart from the matter of unearned increment, however, he always followed his hunches; but this one he did not like at all.

From Project Gutenberg

The "unearned increment" should accrue to the whole community and not to a few landowners.

From Project Gutenberg

We had both been working very hard, and it was your unearned increment we spent, and as you're only a loafer it didn't matter.'

From Project Gutenberg