earnings

/ˈɜːrnɪŋz/
nounIntermediate
💰Finance
formal

The total amount of money a person or company makes from work or business activities before taxes and expenses are deducted.

The company reported record earnings this quarter.

The company's profits exceeded expectations.

💡

Often used in financial reports and business contexts.

general

The money a person earns from their job or investments.

Her earnings from freelance work helped her pay off her student loans.

Her income from freelancing allowed her to clear her debts.

Collocations

earnings per sharethe portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stocknet earningsthe total earnings after all expenses and taxes have been deductedgross earningsthe total earnings before any deductions

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

earnings callphrase
a conference call where a company discusses its financial results with investors
earnings growthphrase
an increase in a company's profits over time

💡Pro Tip

Financial Context

In financial contexts, 'earnings' typically refers to net income after expenses and taxes.

Gold Rule

Plural Usage

'Earnings' is always plural, even when referring to a single period's income.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'ernen' (to earn) + '-ings' (a suffix indicating the result of an action).

📝Usage Notes

In finance, 'earnings' often refers to net income, while in general usage, it can refer to any money earned.

Word Breakdown

earn
to gain money or rewards through work or effort
root
+
-ings
a suffix indicating the result of an action
suffix
English Dictionary