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.

“Absolutely not! They made their decision and took the low road to unearned riches to play in a subpar league, while trashing the PGA Tour on the way out, showing a complete lack of sportsmanship.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

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

Imposters like Jonathan Carley, who was fined £500 for dressing as a rear admiral without permission, complete with an array of impressive but unearned medals he bought online.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

But if we are to deal with the Cosmos we must first understand it, even if our hopes for some unearned preferential status are, in the process, contravened.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan