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

The Phillies scored an unearned run off Jacob Webb in the ninth before Caleb Thielbar got the final two outs with two runners on for his second save. —CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

That came after the Huskies had scored three unearned runs in the top of the inning to grab a 5-2 lead. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

After the Twins tied the score with a ninth-inning rally of their own, Garrett Acton yielded three unearned runs in a 7-4 loss to the Reds in 10 innings. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Flaherty exited after 3 1/3 innings, charged with two unearned runs on three hits, three strikeouts, and six walks. —Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 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