WordGarden.iounworthy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnwˈɜːði/
US
- /ənˈwɜrði/
Meanings
Adjective
not deserving respect, approval, or serious attention
not good enough in quality, merit, or standard for something
Beyond the definition
To be unworthy means not deserving of something, whether it is praise, love, trust, or a reward. Imagine a knight who breaks his code of honor; he might feel unworthy to carry his sword, believing he has lost the right to use it. It does not always mean someone is bad. It often means they have not met a certain standard or have done something that makes them feel they should not receive something good. A student who has not studied for an exam might feel unworthy of a good grade. Sometimes the word also suggests humility, when someone sees their own limits clearly.
The word unworthy describes someone or something that does not deserve a particular thing, status, or kind of treatment. It has a stronger meaning than simply "not good enough." It suggests a lack of merit, fitness, or moral right.
You might describe a deed as unworthy of praise if it was done with selfish intentions. A person might feel unworthy of love after making a serious mistake that hurt someone they care about. In literature and mythology, the concept of being unworthy often appears in tales of quests or trials – a hero must prove their worthiness to receive a magical item or fulfill a prophecy.
The feeling of being unworthy can come from inner self-doubt or from the judgment of others. It is often linked to shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. However, recognizing one's own faults and admitting that one does not deserve something can also be a sign of honesty and maturity. The word is common in serious or emotional writing because it touches on fairness, guilt, and moral value.
So, while it is not a word to use lightly, unworthy points to a deeper sense of not having earned something or not having the right to it.
Examples
- 1
Guilt
After the lie, he felt unworthy of their trust.
- 2
Self-worth
Many people who are constantly criticized begin to feel unworthy of love.
- 3
Professional standards
Such language is unworthy of a teacher.
- Patternunworthy of + role/person
below the standards expected from them
- 4
Dismissal
The committee dismissed the proposal as unworthy of further discussion.
- Patterndismiss X as unworthy of discussion
say X does not deserve time or attention
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Politics
It was an unworthy attempt to win votes by frightening people.
See also
Similar
- undeserving
- not good enough
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unworthy of trust
- unworthy of respect
- feel unworthy
- unworthy of attention
Word family
Explore
- merit
- self-worth
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unworthyadjective