What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unearned
Example
She inherited an unearned fortune from her grandfather. [unearned: adjective]
Example
He received unearned praise for his mediocre performance. [unearned: adjective]
unjustified
Example
The accusation against him was unjustified and baseless. [unjustified: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to lay off workers was unjustified and heartless. [unjustified: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unjustified is more commonly used than unearned in everyday language, especially in the context of criticism or condemnation. Unearned is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts, such as discussing income or benefits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unearned and unjustified?
Both unearned and unjustified are relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, unjustified may be more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while unearned is more limited in its usage.
