unearned
Given without effort
Unearned describes something received without effort, merit, or entitlement.
An unearned advantage comes from circumstances rather than achievement; unearned income arrives through investments or inheritance rather than labor.
The word often carries judgment—suggesting someone doesn't deserve what they have: His reputation was unearned.
In baseball, an unearned run scores due to defensive errors rather than the batter's skill.
Not rightfully due
- unwarrantedWithout adequate justification
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
- undueBeyond what's warranted
- gratuitousGiven without necessity
unfair · unjust · disproportionate · excessive · inappropriate · unfitting · improper · uncalled-for
Property received from ancestors
- bequestGift left by will
- giftItem given freely
- lotteryRandomized prize distribution
- jackpotAccumulated gambling prize
dividend · bonus · handout · endowment · trust fund · allowance · stipend · subsidy
Favorable position or circumstance
- birthrightEntitlement from origin
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
preferential · silver spoon · head start · legacy admission · cronyism · old boy network · insider · connected
unmerited
Not rightfully due
- unwarrantedWithout adequate justification
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
- undueBeyond what's warranted
gratuitous · unfair · unjust · disproportionate · excessive · inappropriate · unfitting · improper · uncalled-for · unreasonable
inheritance
Property received from ancestors
jackpot · dividend · bonus · handout · endowment · trust fund · allowance · stipend · subsidy · grant
advantage
Favorable position or circumstance
- birthrightEntitlement from origin
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
favoritism · preferential · silver spoon · head start · legacy admission · cronyism · old boy network · insider · connected · well-born
- achievementaccomplished, accomplishing, achieved, achievement, accomplishment
- hypehype, buzz, spin, hype train, overhyped
- unearned incomeGains without active work