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
Finally, is the pardon a regrettable example of the advantages of unearned privilege?
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
The Dodgers got on the board for a 2-0 lead in the top of the second, mostly thanks to a sloppy Mets defense that led to a pair of unearned runs by New York starter Luis Severino.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024
Estrada went on to appear in five postseason games, striking out five and allowing an unearned run on five hits and a walk.
2025 OUTLOOK
With Scott leaving as a free agent, Estrada will likely figure into the bridge to closer Robert Suarez.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
That’s important because unearned income tends to represent a greater share of total income for the wealthy compared with the rank and file.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unearned 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
The Dodgers got on the board for a 2-0 lead in the top of the second, mostly thanks to a sloppy Mets defense that led to a pair of unearned runs by New York starter Luis Severino.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024
Estrada went on to appear in five postseason games, striking out five and allowing an unearned run on five hits and a walk.
2025 OUTLOOK
With Scott leaving as a free agent, Estrada will likely figure into the bridge to closer Robert Suarez.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
That’s important because unearned income tends to represent a greater share of total income for the wealthy compared with the rank and file.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unearned
Dictionary Entries Near unearned
Cite this Entry
“Unearned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unearned. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unearned
adjective
un·earned
ˌən-ˈərnd 
ˈən-
: not gained by labor, service, or skill
unearned income
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