worthy

1 of 3

adjective

wor·​thy ˈwər-t͟hē 

worthier; worthiest

1

a

: having worth or value : estimable

a worthy cause

b

: honorable, meritorious

worthy candidates

2

: having sufficient worth or importance

worthy to be remembered

worthily

ˈwər-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

worthiness

ˈwər-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

worthy

2 of 3

noun

plural worthies

: a worthy or prominent person

-worthy

3 of 3

adjective combining form

1

: fit or safe for

a seaworthy vessel

2

: of sufficient worth for

a newsworthy event

Synonyms

Adjective

• deserving
• good
• meritorious

Examples of worthy in a Sentence

Adjective

Your donations will be going to a worthy cause.

I consider him a worthy opponent.

She is a worthy successor to the mayor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Fortunately, that system has been upended in the New World, where a worthy assistant can assume the winemaking mantle when their predecessor moves on to greener pastures (or vineyards, in this case). —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 19 May 2024

With hints of simmering romantic tension and incredible special effects, Twisters appears to be a worthy followup to the 90s hit. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing worthy

• worthy of
• worthy of belief

Kids Definition

worthy

1 of 2 adjective

wor·​thy ˈwər-t͟hē 

worthier; worthiest

1

a

: having worth or value

a worthy cause

b

: honorable sense 1

worthy candidates

2

: having enough value or excellence

a student worthy of the prize

worthily

-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

worthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun

worthy

2 of 2 noun

plural worthies

: a worthy person