income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm 

 also  ˈin-kəm,

 or  ˈiŋ-kəm

1

: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor

also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time

has an income of $30,000 a year

2

: a coming in : entrance, influx

fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water

Synonyms

• earnings
• gain(s)
• incoming(s)
• proceeds
• profit
• return
• revenue
• yield

Examples of income in a Sentence

Any income from investments must be reported.

Farming is his main source of income.

Even on two incomes, we're having a hard time keeping up with our bills.

He earns a good income as a consultant.

What was the company's annual income?

Recent Examples on the Web

Those with incomes over $1 million a year would see their capital gains taxes increase. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

The proposal would reset their balances back to the initial balance by erasing up to $10,000 or $20,000 in interest, depending on a borrower’s income. —Seung Min Kim, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024

First, Social Security benefits are taxable for higher income Americans. —Karl W. Smith, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

In fact, a recent report shows a record 12 million U.S. households now spend more than half of their income on rent. —Heather L. Whitley, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2024

The report also recommended increasing existing city programs meant to help residents in nearby neighborhoods stay in their homes like the priority repair program, which helps low income residents fix things like leaky roofs, air conditioning and water heater replacement. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2024

Steve Hansen, the most moderate candidate, is mostly winning higher income areas. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024

Dollar Tree sees traffic from higher income consumers Dollar Tree executives said on the call that the demographics of their customers trended towards higher income brackets. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

The latest landmark is likely to be a reflection of rising income pressure on Portugal’s citizens and follows figures suggesting nearly a third of Gen Zers and millennials are choosing to leave the country. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing income

• discretionary income
• disposable income
• income account
• income bond
• income tax
• (income) tax return
• low-income housing
• national income
• negative income tax

Kids Definition

income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm 

: a gain usually measured in money that comes in from labor, business, or property

Legal Definition

income

noun

in·​come

: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor

also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time

an income of $20,000 a year