Unearned for Dummies

Hey there! Let's talk about the word "unearned," shall we? Now, I know that learning new words can be tricky sometimes, but don't you worry, I'm here to make it super easy for you to understand!

So, when we say something is "unearned," we mean that it hasn't been fairly or rightfully obtained. It's like when you get a reward or praise for doing something that you didn't actually do. You didn't put in the effort or work to deserve it.

Imagine a situation where you and your friend are given a surprise treat at school. You, being the responsible and hardworking student, have been doing all your homework and studying diligently. So, you definitely deserve that treat, right? But your friend, on the other hand, hasn't done any of the work or put in any effort. They didn't earn that treat, did they? Nope, it would be unfair if they got the same reward as you.

Now, let's think about another way we can use the word "unearned." Sometimes, people inherit money or receive gifts without having to work for them. It's like getting a big amount of money from a distant uncle you've never met. You didn't earn it by doing anything, it just came to you because of your relation to that uncle. So, that money is considered "unearned" because it wasn't gained through your own efforts.

In a nutshell, "unearned" means something that someone didn't rightfully receive or obtain due to their own hard work or efforts. It's kind of like getting something you don't really deserve or didn't earn fair and square. I hope that makes sense to you now, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Learning new words is all about curiosity, and you're doing great! Keep it up!