sweat equity

noun

: equity in a property resulting from labor invested in improvements that increase its value
also : the labor so invested

Examples of sweat equity in a Sentence

He's built up a lot of sweat equity in his house. He put countless hours of sweat equity into that old house.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The footage is heavy on industrial Texas — hard hats, work sites and sweat equity — and the narration centers on the bonds of a multigenerational blue-collar family. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 25 Jan. 2026 Volunteer Pass The Volunteer Pass requires a bit of sweat equity. Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026 The Sylvan Lake State Park yurts are 4.5 miles from the parking area, so this spot is truly for the outdoor adventure enthusiasts who want to earn their lodging with some sweat equity. Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 9 Dec. 2025 Awardees learn how to own a home from top to bottom, build it with volunteers, all while completing more than 200 hours of community service and sweat equity. Janay Reece, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweat equity

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweat equity was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweat equity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweat%20equity. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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