unearned

adjective

un·​earned ˌən-ˈərnd 

1

: not gained by labor, service, or skill

unearned income

2

: scored as a result of an error by the opposing team

an unearned run

Examples of unearned in a Sentence

Bank interest is regarded as unearned income.

Recent Examples on the Web

Four of the runs scored in the sixth were unearned. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

The Phillies would add an unearned run in the seventh inning off right-hander John Schreiber. — Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026

Cincinnati extended its lead to 5-0 by scoring four unearned runs in the fourth inning. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Max Meyer’s bid to win his first 10 decisions for Miami this season was derailed by four unearned runs in the fourth. — Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unearned

• unearned increment

Rhymes for unearned

• overturned
• unconcerned
• adjourned
• concerned
• discerned
• interned
• returned
• sunburned
• unburned
• unlearned
• unturned
• upturned

Kids Definition

unearned

adjective

un·​earned ˌən-ˈərnd 

ˈən-

: not gained by labor, service, or skill

unearned income