unearned

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Social Security Administration considers free shelter to be unearned income, although he can avoid this reduction if he pays his fair share of household expenses.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

But every once in a while, we get a little wink, an ounce of good luck, an unearned gift, a happy accident, and this recipe falls in that category.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Spears says of their Prodigal Son-inspired short, “It’s our way of showing how far God would go, across the divide. Everyone can identify with the idea of forgiveness and unearned grace.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

But there is no law for those wearing unearned medals - or those who simply lie about their background without dressing up in uniform.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss