unearned
|un/earned|
C1
🇺🇸
/ʌnˈɜrnd/
🇬🇧
/ʌnˈɜːnd/
not deserved
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unearned' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'earned' from Old English 'earnian' meaning 'to gain or deserve'.
Historical Evolution
'earnian' transformed into the Middle English word 'ernen', and eventually became the modern English word 'earn'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to gain or deserve', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not gained by labor or service'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not gained by labor, service, or skill.
He received unearned income from his investments.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45