What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undeserved
Example
The athlete's victory was undeserved since they cheated during the competition. [undeserved: adjective]
Example
She received an undeserved promotion because of her connections, not her skills. [undeserved: adjective]
unearned
Example
He inherited an unearned fortune from his parents. [unearned: adjective]
Example
The company offered unearned bonuses to its executives, causing public outrage. [unearned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unearned is more commonly used than undeserved in everyday language, as it has a broader scope and can be used in various contexts. Undeserved is less common and more specific to situations where something is not justified or warranted.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undeserved and unearned?
Both undeserved and unearned are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
