# earned

/ˈɝnd/ (US) · /ˈɜːnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/earned
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. received money for work

verb · CEFR A2

to have received money in return for doing a job.

For teachers: the past tense of 'earn', indicating the receipt of financial compensation in exchange for labour or services.

- She earned a lot of money last summer by working at the beach café.
- He earned a substantial bonus after successfully negotiating the merger, reflecting his significant contribution to the firm's annual revenue.

Usage: This is the past tense and past participle form of the verb.

### 2. deserved something

verb · CEFR B1

to have gained something like respect or a reputation because of your hard work.

For teachers: to have merited or acquired a non-monetary attribute through effort or conduct.

- The team earned a place in the final after winning every game this season.
- The professor earned the respect of her colleagues through decades of rigorous research and consistent academic integrity.

### 3. marketing/media

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

describes media coverage or attention that you get for free because people like what you do.

For teachers: referring to publicity or visibility gained through organic means rather than paid advertising.

- The video went viral, giving the small company millions in earned media.
- The marketing strategy focused on earned media, leveraging social shares and press mentions to build brand authority without a traditional advertising budget.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'earned media' within marketing and communications.

## Examples

- She earned a high salary after her promotion.
- He worked extra shifts all month because he wanted to ensure he earned enough for a new car.
- The young diplomat earned the respect of her peers by navigating the delicate negotiations with patience and a deep understanding of local customs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.