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
Centennial touched up Amador for four unearned runs in the fifth.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024
The Grizzlies outhit Del Norte 8-4 on Tuesday, but the two unearned runs cost them.
—Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unearned 
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024
The Grizzlies outhit Del Norte 8-4 on Tuesday, but the two unearned runs cost them.
—Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unearned
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unearned.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unearned
Cite this Entry
“Unearned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unearned. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unearned
adjective
un·earned
ˌən-ˈərnd 
ˈən-
: not gained by labor, service, or skill
unearned income
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