seaworthy

1 of 2

adjective

sea·​wor·​thy ˈsē-ˌwər-t͟hē 

: fit or safe for a sea voyage

a seaworthy ship

seaworthiness

ˈsē-ˌwər-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

seaworthiness

2 of 2

noun

sea·​wor·​thi·​ness ˈsēˌwərt͟hēnə̇s 

: the quality or state of being seaworthy

specifically : the fitness of a ship for a particular voyage with reference to the condition of its hull and machinery, the extent of its fuel and provisions supply, the quality of its officers and crew, and its adaptability for the type of voyage proposed

Examples of seaworthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While Nautor’s Swan was fast becoming established as one of the fastest and most seaworthy brands in yachting, the YCCS was equally ambitious in its bit to drive yachting excellence and high performance at the top level of the sport. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

According to the county authorities and neighbors on dry land, the anchor-outs are also homeless, and their not-always-seaworthy vessels are a threat to the bay’s ecosystem. — Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026

While the crews work to ensure their ships remain seaworthy, and movies and ping-pong serve as distractions, staving off boredom and depression is a struggle. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

That lawsuit alleged the crash was the result of negligence, mismanagement and the reckless operation of a vessel that was not seaworthy and should never have left port. — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for seaworthy

• swarthy
• unseaworthy

Kids Definition

seaworthy

adjective

sea·​wor·​thy -ˌwər-t͟hē 

: fit or safe for a sea voyage

a seaworthy ship

seaworthiness noun