unearned

[uhn-urnd] / ʌnˈɜrnd /

ADJECTIVE

undeserved

Synonyms

WEAK

not deserved not earned not merited not warranted unmerited unwarranted

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.

She said some of the women were reluctant to come forward, fearing their degrees or affiliations would be seen as unearned.

From The Wall Street Journal

The unearned income is taxed at the same rate as wages.

From Los Angeles Times

Initially, it was planned for Season 4, and we just felt it was unearned by the end of it.

From Los Angeles Times

By September 2025, Booker announced their engagement on Instagram, calling her “one of the greatest unearned blessings of my life.”

From Salon

Healthcare has a reputation as a defensive sector, though that’s mostly unearned: Healthcare stocks haven’t worked as defensive plays in recent years.

From Barron's