worth

noun

\ ˈwərth

Definition of worth

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : monetary value farmhouse and lands of little worth

b : the equivalent of a specified amount or figure a dollar's worth of gas

2 : the value of something measured by its qualities or by the esteem in which it is held a literary heritage of great worth

3a : moral or personal value trying to teach human worth

b : merit, excellence a field in which we have proved our worth

4 : wealth, riches

worth

preposition

Definition of worth (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : equal in value to

b : having assets or income equal to

2 : deserving of well worth the effort

worth one's salt

: of substantial or significant value or merit

worth

adjective

Definition of worth (Entry 3 of 4)

1 archaic : having monetary or material value

2 archaic : estimable

for all one is worth

: to the fullest extent of one's value or ability

worth

verb

worthed; worthing; worths

Definition of worth (Entry 4 of 4)

intransitive verb

archaic

: become —usually used in the phrase woe worth

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about worth

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Synonyms for worth

Synonyms: Noun

account, merit, valuation, value

Examples of worth in a Sentence

Noun

A diamond's worth is determined partly by its cut and clarity. The worth of the stocks has increased. The furniture was of little worth since it was in such bad condition. He has proved his worth to the team. The book has proved its worth by saving me hundreds of dollars.

Preposition

an actor worth several million dollars The corporation is worth billions of dollars. A carefully written cover letter and resume is worth the effort. It takes a long time to get a table at the restaurant, but the food is well worth the wait. The movie was good, but I didn't think it was worth all the fuss. Chicago is worth a visit. I think you'll really like it. Do you think the car is worth buying? It is worth noting that his father and mother are also doctors. This book is not worth reading. an idea well worth consideration

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In the first case, called Case 1000, Mandelblit alleges that Netanyahu accepted almost $280,000 worth of gifts, including champagne and cigars, from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. — Washington Post, "For Netanyahu, winning reelection could be the only way to avoid corruption charges," 18 Sep. 2019 The veteran, named John, said Friday his Tricare was taken away, leaving him with more than $130,000 worth of medical bills. — CBS News, "Ailing Navy veteran tells Bernie Sanders at Nevada town hall: "I'm gonna kill myself"," 15 Sep. 2019 Four women from Baltimore have been charged in Harford County with stealing more than $5,600 worth of merchandise from DSW and Old Navy stores in Abingdon. — Erika Butler, baltimoresun.com, "Four women allegedly stole $5,600 worth of merchandise from DSW, Old Navy in Abingdon," 12 Sep. 2019 Each mason jar was filled with about $6,000 worth of THC oil, officials said. — Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Courageous' parents are credited with leading to a drug bust police believe is the biggest to date involving counterfeit vaping cartridges," 11 Sep. 2019 The council’s agenda item calls for transferring the money from the city’s General Fund to the city’s capital account to pay for up to $550,000 worth of improvements to the 71-year-old stadium. — John Sharp | Jsharp@al.com, al, "Will Mobile’s legal wrangling slow stadium improvements?," 11 Sep. 2019 Starting last November, the lawsuit claims, Mr. Lliviganay, 32, began swiping close to $90,000 worth of the boutique gateaux. — Michael Gold, New York Times, "Worker Stole $90,000 in ‘Lady M’ Cakes and Resold Them, Lawsuit Says," 9 Sep. 2019 Investigators: Reader admits to a gambling problem Investigators from the State Auditor's Office went back three years and allege Reader had more than $17,000 worth of gambling losses. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "Auditor's report on Pike County Sheriff: Gambling, seized cash and impounded vehicles," 3 Sep. 2019 That's more than $6,000 worth of gold in just one day. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN, "A trail of 'bloody gold' leads to Venezuela's government," 20 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

El-Sissi, who became president in 2014, said the military has overseen road projects costing 175 billion pounds, or just over $1 billion, and that his government has carried out projects worth more than $245 billion. — Washington Post, "Egypt’s el-Sissi dismisses corruption allegations," 14 Sep. 2019 Perks of going official Kumar believes it is worth the money to become an official sponsor considering the exposure and brand recall, which social media cannot provide. — Jaideep Vaidya, Quartz India, "India may have been knocked out, but mega brands had a field day during cricket World Cup," 10 July 2019 Consider if your peace of mind is worth more than financial profit. — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, "Horoscopes: Aug. 30, 2019," 30 Aug. 2019 The food industry has successfully convinced us that healthier, better, organic food is worth the extra cost. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Sustainability Is the Most Pressing Issue Facing Fashion—And It’s Only Getting Harder," 18 July 2019 Ideally, United want to save as much money as possible, in order to finance a huge move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who is believed to have signed a new contract worth an astonishing £190,000 per week. — SI.com, "Man Utd Decide on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's January Transfer Budget," 21 Aug. 2019 And while there isn't a secret shortcut to healthier hair, taking time to keep strands strong is worth the commitment. — Paige Stables, Good Housekeeping, "12 Healthy Hair Habits You Should Adopt ASAP," 14 Aug. 2019 Stranger Things fans have been anxiously anticipating the return of the blockbuster series, and star David Harbour admits it is worth the nearly two-year wait. — Tim Stack, EW.com, "David Harbour says Stranger Things 3 finale is 'the greatest episode we've ever shot'," 28 June 2019 The contract is a one-year deal worth the league minimum. — Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, "Magic sign DaQuan Jeffries, Vic Law to Exhibit 10 contracts, finalize two-way deal with Amile Jefferson," 30 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'worth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of worth

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Preposition

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for worth

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English weorth worthy, of (a specified) value; akin to Old High German werd worthy, worth

Verb

Middle English, from Old English weorthan; akin to Old High German werdan to become, Latin vertere to turn, Lithuanian versti to overturn, Sanskrit vartate he turns

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