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unearned Synonyms
Another word for unearned
Choosing another word for unearned depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Not gained or merited through one's own effort, labor, or service; undeserved.
Usage Example
"The critic argued that the film's sentimental ending felt undeserved given the cynical tone of the earlier scenes."
Strongest
undeserved
unmerited
Strong
unwarranted
unjustified
gratuitous
• adjective (Context 2)
Designating income or revenue derived from investments, property, or capital rather than from active personal work, or payment received in advance before goods or services are delivered.
Usage Example
"Under the new tax code, passive income from stock dividends and rental properties is taxed at a separate rate."
Strong
passive
deferred
Opposites of unearned
The opposite of unearned shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
earned
deserved
merited
hard-won
accrued
justified
warranted
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Unearned. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 3, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/unearned