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

Milwaukee took the lead for good by scoring three unearned runs in the third. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez (4-5) gave up just two unearned runs across seven innings while striking out six. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

His two young children own stakes in three private golf clubs in Ohio, which resulted in more than $2 million in unearned income for them last year. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

Stock went 4 1/3 innings, giving up only one unearned run on three hits, and struck out five. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 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