richly earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "richly earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been obtained through significant effort, hard work, or merit, often implying a sense of deserving or worthiness. Example: "After years of dedication and perseverance, her promotion was richly earned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is Carl Kruger's legacy as he shuffles off to his richly earned prison cell.

The New York Times

Instead, it became a decade that richly earned the name "the zeros".

The New York Times

"Senator Dole has richly earned his reputation as a hatchet man tonight," said Mr. Mondale, who instantly concluded that the exchange had made him the debate's winner.

The New York Times

As he grew older, the river turned gray, then dried up altogether, but the wrinkles of age and dissolution that he had so richly earned never materialized.

The New Yorker

Germans, above all, should be grateful for the European Union's role in helping to remove the stigma that Germany so richly earned in two world wars.

The New York Times

As the clock slipped past midnight and turned into Monday in the East, the producers of "The Hurt Locker" accepted their richly earned Academy Award for best picture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The way he flattens, simplifies and crops his figures and their Southern California backgrounds and his use of richly saturated colors has earned him comparison with Alex Katz and David Hockney.

The New York Times

Helping online retailers process returns, an aggravating process for which they've earned a richly deserved lousy reputation.

Forbes

He's earned and richly deserves the near universal loathing he gets from Black voters.

Huffington Post

Scott used his voice, described as "ethereal" on NPR's A Blog Supreme, as a richly interpretive instrument, earning praise from the likes of Ray Charles, Madonna, Lou Reed, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson.

Los Angeles Times

A seamless combination of canny professionalism and private confession, Dunn's performance is all but unbearably poignant and earned him a richly deserved Oscar for best supporting actor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "richly earned" when you want to highlight the fairness and appropriateness of a reward or recognition, especially in situations where the recipient has overcome challenges or demonstrated exceptional commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "richly earned" in trivial contexts. The phrase suggests a significant investment of effort or a considerable period of dedication, making it unsuitable for describing minor achievements or everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "richly earned" typically functions as an adjectival modifier, describing something that has been gained or deserved through considerable effort. It emphasizes the justification and value of the thing earned. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "richly earned" is a phrase used to describe something deserved because of considerable effort or merit. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is valid and correct in the English language. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, remember it is most appropriate in situations where the achievement genuinely reflects significant dedication or sacrifice. Alternatives include "well-deserved" or "justly deserved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-deserved

Emphasizes the deserving nature of something due to positive actions or qualities. It's a more general substitute.

amply deserved

Suggests that something is greatly or fully deserved, highlighting the extent to which it was earned.

thoroughly deserved

Indicates that something is completely and fully deserved, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the justification.

justly deserved

Highlights the fairness and righteousness of something being deserved, focusing on the moral aspect.

fairly earned

Implies that something was earned through just and equitable means, focusing on the fairness of the process.

legitimately earned

Stresses the lawfulness and validity of something being earned, emphasizing its accordance with established rules.

fully merited

Emphasizes that something is completely deserving based on its merits and qualities.

rightfully gained

Suggests that something was acquired through just and lawful means, emphasizing the right to possess it.

well-gained

Indicates that something was obtained through effort and is now possessed in a positive way.

deservedly obtained

Highlights that something was acquired in a manner that aligns with what one deserved, placing emphasis on the alignment of achievement and deserts.

FAQs

How can I use "richly earned" in a sentence?

You can use "richly earned" to describe achievements, rewards, or even reputations that are the result of great effort. For example, "After years of hard work, she enjoyed her "well-deserved" vacation" or "His "legitimately earned" reputation as a skilled surgeon preceded him."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "richly earned"?

Similar phrases include "well-deserved", "amply deserved", or "justly deserved". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "richly earned" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "richly earned" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the magnitude of effort behind an achievement. However, be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "richly earned" and "easily obtained"?

"Richly earned" implies a significant investment of time, effort, or sacrifice, whereas "easily obtained" suggests minimal effort. They are contrasting concepts.