ˈərniŋ, ˈə̄n-, ˈəin-, -nēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English erning merit, from Old English earnung merit, recompense, from earnian to earn + -ung -ing — more at earn , -ing I
1. earnings plural
a. : something (as wages or dividends) earned as compensation for labor or the use of capital
his earnings never amounted to more than $2000 a year
corporation earnings are up
b. : the balance of revenue for a specific period that remains after deducting related costs and expenses incurred — compare profit
2. : the act or process of acquiring (as a reward or honor) or of fitting oneself to receive (as a commendation or rebuke)
the earning of his high position was not easy
he seemed to set himself doggedly to the earning of his degree