Definition of 'worthy'
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.
You can refer to worthy people as worthies.
A group of local worthies began to plan their own exhibition.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
adjective -thier or -thiest
1. (postpositive; often foll by of or an infinitive)
2.
having worth, value, or merit
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
adverb
worthiness (ˈworthiness)
noun
adjectiveWord forms: ˈworthier or ˈworthiest
1.
having worth, value, or merit
2.
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
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
adverb
worthiness (ˈworthiness)
noun
Word origin of 'worthy'
Example sentences containing 'worthy'
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
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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. 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'
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Definition of worthy from the
Collins English Dictionary
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