English Reference
Adjective

accrued

adj.
C1 Advanced US /əˈkɹud/ UK /ɐkɹˈuːd/ ac·crued

adj.describing an amount of money or a benefit that has built up over time. It is often used for interest or vacation days that you have earned but not used yet.

adj.accumulated or periodically increased over time, especially in a financial or legal context. Often used to describe interest, debts, or employee benefits that have been earned but remain unpaid or unredeemed.


SIMPLE

I have three weeks of accrued vacation time.

CONTEXTUAL

The bank calculates the interest daily, but the accrued amount is only paid into the account at the end of the month.

COMPLEX

Under the terms of the settlement, the plaintiff was entitled to the full principal plus any accrued interest calculated from the date the initial contract was breached.

Usage

Commonly used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'remain'.

Pitfall
the interest accrued itselfthe interest accrued

When used as an adjective or an intransitive verb, 'accrued' does not require a reflexive pronoun.

She said she had lost her entitlements, including accrued annual leave, retirement contributions and her last month of pay.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated