Earnings
ˈɜːrnɪŋz
Definitions
2 meaningsThe total amount of money a person or company receives for work or services.
ˈɜːrnɪŋz
Money obtained in return for labor or services.
The company's earnings increased significantly this year.
💡 Simply: Earnings are like the paycheck you get for doing your job. It's the reward for your hard work! Imagine you mow lawns for people - the money they pay you for each lawn is your earnings.
👶 For kids: Earnings are the money you get when you work or do something helpful.
More Examples
His annual earnings are quite high.
The tax is calculated based on the individual's gross earnings.
How It's Used
"The company announced record earnings this quarter."
"Her earnings provide for her family."
Profit remaining after all costs and expenses have been deducted; net income.
ˈɜːrnɪŋz
The profit after paying all costs
The company's earnings per share were higher than expected.
💡 Simply: Imagine a lemonade stand. Your earnings aren't just the money you get from selling lemonade. It's what you have left *after* you've paid for the lemons, sugar, and cups. Those savings are your earnings.
👶 For kids: When you do something, it's the money you get to keep after you take away the cost of what it takes to do the work.
More Examples
Improved efficiency resulted in higher earnings.
The financial analysts were optimistic about the company's projected earnings.
How It's Used
"Net earnings after taxes were reported to be up 10% year over year."
Idioms & expressions
Earning one's keep
To do enough work to justify the money or resources you are given.
"He works hard and is certainly earning his keep on the project."
To live beyond one's earnings
To spend more money than one earns.
"If you are not careful, you can easily live beyond your earnings."
From the verb 'earn,' from Old English *earnien*, meaning 'to gain by labor or service.'
Historically, 'earnings' was used in a broad sense to describe any gain. Its specific financial meaning became more prevalent with the development of modern accounting and business practices.
Memory tip
Think of the money you get from working at a job.