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

As of last year, Heidi's net worth is up to $90 million — the same as AGT host Tyra Banks. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Heidi Klum's Net Worth Is Mind-Bogglingly Huge," 7 Jan. 2019 Is that worth putting up with a new layer of dongle despair? — Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, "Adding USB-C to the iPad isn’t enough to fix Apple’s messy port strategy," 31 Oct. 2018 But in an age of countless fad eating trends, when foods swing in and out of favor, perhaps a lifestyle that’s lasted for centuries is one worth sticking to. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Why Spain Is Set to Become the Country With the Longest Life Expectancy," 30 Oct. 2018 The announcement seemed impressive, in a way, but still modest for a man whose net worth in 2018 has risen by four times the average American’s annual salary every minute. — Tyrone Beason / Columnist, The Seattle Times, "Amazon’s Bezos needs to tackle poverty as boldly as he talks about space," 8 Oct. 2018 But if your life is making video, then the GoPro Hero 7 is a camera worth your consideration. — Alexander George, Popular Mechanics, "GoPro Hero 7 Hands-On: The Action Camera Built for Pros," 20 Sep. 2018 Nonetheless, tracking site celebritynetworth.com estimates Franklin's net worth at $60 million. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Aretha Franklin Leaves Behind an Enduring Legacy—and a Massive Fortune," 16 Aug. 2018 Musk's net worth is around $20 billion, though most of that wealth is tied up in Tesla and SpaceX stock. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "“A huge outlier”: Musk’s Tesla buyout tweet could get him in legal trouble," 15 Aug. 2018 By the metrics of friends, experiences, net worth, Bench's life has been a full one. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Johnny Bench Is Already a Hall-of-Famer, But He's Looking For a New Distinction," 5 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

Here are a few new science reads worth giving — or keeping for yourself. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Annual Science Reads for the Holidays," 24 Nov. 2018 Still, the Lone Star state is worth a mention here because of Texas’s size and growing population. — Andrew Prokop, Vox, "7 key governor races that could let Democrats roll back gerrymandering," 5 Nov. 2018 Shop the 35 best fall coats here at every price point, from a timeless (wallet-friendly!) trench to several stylish faux furs worth the splurge. — Anny Choi, Vogue, "Shop Fall’s Best Coats at Every Price Point," 25 Sep. 2018 MOSCOW — England saw its best chance of ending several generations’ worth of World Cup pain slip away on Wednesday night, as Croatia fought back for a 2-1 win in extra time, securing a spot against France in Sunday’s final. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Croatia tops England in extra time to reach World Cup final," 11 July 2018 The Gunner star recently signed a contract extension worth a reported £350,000 a week through the summer of 2021. — SI.com, "Mesut Özil's Father Encourages Him to Retire From International Duty for Germany," 8 July 2018 Bradley to stay in LA Former Celtics guard Avery Bradley agreed to a two-year contract worth a reported $25 million with the Clippers . . — BostonGlobe.com, "Terrell Owens off to Chattanooga for induction speech," 4 July 2018 The charges stem from her alleged use of outside caterers in their official residence — who reportedly prepared meals worth a total of $99,000. — James Hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Under Trump, Americans are becoming more supportive of immigration," 22 June 2018 But finishing each day at Blackberry Farm, the best spot in the country for foothills (or Appalachian) cuisine, makes this trip worth the splurge. — Ac Shilton, Outside Online, "The Food Adventures We Covet Most," 5 July 2018

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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