Word
earn
US/ˈɝn/
UK/ˈɜːn/
Definitions
01to get money for work
A2 · Elementary
v. to receive money as payment for the work you do.
v. to receive money in return for labour or services rendered; can be used transitively with an amount or intransitively.
“She works at the hospital and earns a good salary every month.”
“After years of entry-level positions, he finally secured a role where he could earn enough to support his family comfortably.”
Pitfall
He wins a lot of money at his job.
He earns a lot of money at his job.
Use 'earn' for money you get from working. Use 'win' for money from luck, games, or competitions.
Synonyms
02to deserve something
B1 · Intermediate
v. to get something like respect, praise, or a rest because you have worked hard for it.
v. to merit or acquire a non-monetary reward, such as reputation or status, through one's actions or qualities.
“He worked very hard and finally earned the respect of his boss.”
“The team's consistent performance throughout the season earned them a place in the national finals.”
03to result in a profit
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to produce a profit or interest on money that has been invested.
v. to yield a return on investment or capital.
“The money in my savings account earns a small amount of interest each year.”
“Diversifying the portfolio ensured that the assets continued to earn a steady return despite the volatile market conditions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “earn” in context.
Confusables
Earn is the result of work or effort, while win is the result of luck, a game, or a competition.
RememberEarn = Effort. Win = Winner.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. earn one's crust
02. earn one's keep
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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