adj
Common
earned
urnd
Earned (adj) means Gained through one's own effort or merit, rather than given freely. Example: “It was hard-earned success after years of setbacks.”
adj
1
Gained through one's own effort or merit, rather than given freely.
"It was hard-earned success after years of setbacks."
"After months of training, the medal felt like a well earned reward."
"She enjoyed an earned day off after finishing the long project."
How to use earned
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeserved through effort, rather than handed over for free.
Common pairings
hard-earned
earned income
well-earned rest
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It was hard-_____ success after years of setbacks.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unearned
Related words
Rhymes for earned
See all rhymes for earned →Frequently asked questions
What does “earned” mean?
The word “earned” means gained through one's own effort or merit, rather than given freely. In plain terms, deserved through effort, rather than handed over for free.
How do you pronounce “earned”?
“Earned” is pronounced urnd (/ɝnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “earned” in a sentence?
Here is “earned” used in a sentence: “It was hard-earned success after years of setbacks.”
What part of speech is “earned”?
“Earned” is an adjective.
Is “earned” a common word?
“Earned” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between earned and given?
Something earned is gained through your own effort, work, or merit — earned respect, earned income, an earned promotion. Something given is handed over freely, without the receiver having to work for it, like a gift or a favour. The distinction is effort: earned rewards are worked for, given ones are not.
What is the difference between earned and unearned?
Earned means achieved through effort or merit. Unearned means received without that effort — unearned income like interest or an inheritance, or unearned praise that wasn't deserved. In everyday use, calling something unearned can sound like a criticism, suggesting a person got a reward they did not actually work for.
What is an example of earned?
Earned respect from colleagues after years of hard work, an earned day off after a busy week, or earned income from a job you performed are all examples. The word highlights that the reward came through effort, skill, or good conduct — not luck, gift, or chance.
Why does calling something 'earned' matter?
Describing something as earned signals that it is deserved and legitimate. Earned trust or an earned victory carries more weight and pride than one simply handed over, because effort and merit stand behind it. The word adds a sense of fairness — the reward genuinely matches the work put in.
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