Sure! Let's break down the word "unearned."
Unearned is an adjective that describes something that has not been gained through hard work, effort, or merit. It usually refers to rewards, income, or criticism that someone has received without deserving it.
You can use "unearned" to describe things like money, praise, or even criticism that someone has not worked for. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person has not put in the necessary effort to receive what they have.
In finance, "unearned income" refers to money earned from investments or assets, rather than from active work. For example, rental income from property can be considered unearned because the landlord does not actively work for that money daily.
While "unearned" primarily refers to things not gained through work, it can also imply a sense of injustice or unfairness, as when someone receives praise or blame they do not deserve.
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "unearned," you can use phrases such as: - "To rest on one's laurels" - This means to rely on past achievements without working hard in the present, which can lead to unearned status in some contexts.
In summary, "unearned" describes something received without deserving it, typically in a negative sense. It can relate to income, rewards, or criticism, and is often used to highlight unfairness in situations where effort was not put forth.