sweat equity

noun

1. unreimbursed labor that results in the increased value of property or that is invested to establish or expand an enterprise.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweat equity¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“The landowners that we work with have what I call sweat equity in those projects — they have an investment,” said Steve Harris, a regulation and resilience assistant manager for DNR’s northeast region.

From Seattle Times

Working with civil rights activist Bob Woodson, the two developed a program to allow people in public housing to put in sweat equity and eventually gain ownership of their units.

From Washington Times

Viewers may notice how much this sounds like Steve's observations about home repair and sweat equity in the previous episode.

From Salon

That investment, combined with access to the U.S. market and the global trade system and lubricated by the sweat equity of a highly educated populace, enabled Seoul to forge an “economic miracle.”

From Washington Times

What about startup firms that offer stock as “sweat equity” to employees in exchange for round-the-clock commitments?

From Los Angeles Times