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
Perry went the distance at pitcher, allowing an unearned run on 8 hits with 4 strikeouts.
—
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2026
Each team scored once in the second inning, with the Dodgers adding an unearned run in the fifth on the Ohtani single and a final run in the sixth on Freeman’s fourth home run — and first since April 6.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
In a Tri-Valley League contest, Henry Leek fired a complete game, allowing one unearned run while striking out eight as Holliston defeated Norwood, 4-1.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
The Mustangs stole six bases and Kenji Shirley allowed just one hit in 5 1/3 innings with one unearned run allowed and five strikeouts.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unearned
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Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2026
Each team scored once in the second inning, with the Dodgers adding an unearned run in the fifth on the Ohtani single and a final run in the sixth on Freeman’s fourth home run — and first since April 6.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
In a Tri-Valley League contest, Henry Leek fired a complete game, allowing one unearned run while striking out eight as Holliston defeated Norwood, 4-1.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
The Mustangs stole six bases and Kenji Shirley allowed just one hit in 5 1/3 innings with one unearned run allowed and five strikeouts.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unearned
Cite this Entry
“Unearned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unearned. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unearned
adjective
un·earned
ˌən-ˈərnd 
ˈən-
: not gained by labor, service, or skill
unearned income
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