Definition of 'worthy'

Word Frequency

worthy

(wɜːʳði )

Word forms: comparative worthier , superlative worthiest , plural worthies

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If a person or thing is worthy of something, they deserve it because they have the qualities or abilities required.

[formal]

The bank might think you're worthy of a loan. [+ of]

The Minister says the idea is worthy of consideration. [+ of]

I hope he was worthy of her.

worthily adverb [ADVERB with verb]

I have not become chief constable, a rank I know I could have worthily held.

worthiness uncountable noun

Some people are afraid to take risks because their belief in their own worthiness is so low.

2. adjective

A worthy person or thing is approved of by most people in society and considered to be morally respectable or correct.

[formal]

...worthy members of the community.

They thought the feminist label was too worthy.

Synonyms: praiseworthy, good, excellent, deserving More Synonyms of worthy

You can refer to worthy people as worthies.

A group of local worthies began to plan their own exhibition.

More Synonyms of worthy

Word Frequency

worthy in British

(ˈwɜːðɪ )

adjective -thier or -thiest

1. (postpositive; often foll by of or an infinitive)

having sufficient merit or value (for something or someone specified); deserving

having worth, value, or merit

noun plural -thies

3. often facetious

a person of distinguished character, merit, or importance

Derived forms

worthily (ˈworthily)

adverb

worthiness (ˈworthiness)

noun

Word Frequency

worthy in American

(ˈwɜrði ; wʉrˈthē)

adjectiveWord forms: ˈworthier or ˈworthiest

having worth, value, or merit

having enough worth or merit (for someone or something specified); meriting

often with of or an infinitive

a man worthy of her, a candidate worthy to be supported

nounWord forms: plural ˈworthies

a person of outstanding worth or importance

often used humorously

Derived forms

worthily (ˈworthily)

adverb

worthiness (ˈworthiness)

noun

Word origin of 'worthy'

ME worthi

Example sentences containing 'worthy'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

But some of them have been considered worthy of serious consideration. Times, Sunday Times (2016)At some point over the centuries anywhere worthy of a name had a race meeting. Times, Sunday Times (2017)But Sonic has learned with each race and is a worthy favourite. The Sun (2016)Viking Fire is a worthy successor. Times, Sunday Times (2016)I like them, and they are worthy winners. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Not that these aren't worthy causes, but specialist concerns are fighting for life. Times, Sunday Times (2017)He's a worthy favourite but we'll give it another go. The Sun (2016)Yet Tottenham were worthy winners. Times, Sunday Times (2016)That remains a worthy goal, and solid, practical endeavours such as limiting the detritus we leave behind are part of civilisation. Times, Sunday Times (2016)These are goals worthy of our labor. Christianity Today (2000)Maybe is a worthy favourite after winning all five of her races last year. The Sun (2012)The five were worthy winners in their respective fields. Times, Sunday Times (2008)She possesses the sensitivity necessary to unlock a beguiling and complex character worthy of admiration. Times, Sunday Times (2015)They have become a much too easy target for advisers who are not worthy of that name. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Three of his ideas stand out as at least being worthy of consideration. Times, Sunday Times (2015)We were raising money for that very worthy cause. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The winning goal was worthy of winning any game in any competition. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Either of them would be a worthy favourite. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It was a tough game but we were worthy winners. The Sun (2011)Respect is an impossible idea and the worthy campaign intended to inspire it is doomed to failure. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Public transport in rural areas is not worthy of the name. Times, Sunday Times (2014)The number of factual errors are too many to make this series worthy of consideration. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The civil religion has not always been invoked in favor of worthy causes. Greeley, Andrew M. Sociology and Religion: A Collection of Readings (1995)It was a worthy goal to earn a point in the derby. The Sun (2013)Perhaps the idea is worthy of extensive investigation. Times, Sunday Times (2013)He was thus the one bard worthy of the name. The Times Literary Supplement (2010)She looked a brilliant, worthy champion. Times, Sunday Times (2015)No doubt the other 11 nominees for the prize are good and worthy champions. The Sun (2015)On what we have seen so far he's a worthy favourite. The Sun (2010)In a less strong field, any of the above could have been a worthy winner. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Mistresses and their masters became the central figures in corruption scandals, with plots and characters worthy of soap operas. Times, Sunday Times (2006)If so, it would be a worthy successor to the Eagle. Times, Sunday Times (2011)With so many characters worthy of their own stories, these cabbies have been short-changed. The Sun (2011)

Trends of 'worthy'

Very Common. worthy is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Nearby words of 'worthy'

Related Terms of 'worthy'

Source

Definition of worthy from the Collins English Dictionary

The imperative

Commands and orders The imperative is used to give commands and orders. The form of the verb used for the imperative is the base form of the main verb, which is used without a subject. Walk to th...