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

This team is responsible for continuously analyzing transaction data, identifying pricing leaks (such as unearned volume discounts or excessive custom engineering costs) and optimizing the pricing architecture across the entire portfolio. — Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

In its concluding episodes, the HBO juggernaut thrust an unearned heel turn on its female lead, rendered its climactic battle so dark viewers couldn’t see it, and ended over 70 hours of buildup with a rando on the Iron Throne. — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Tong also excelled in the face of adversity, holding Baltimore to one unearned run over six innings. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

Mets rookie Jonah Tong gave up just an unearned run and four hits in six innings. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 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