worthy
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for worthy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Deserving respect, effort, or attention.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use worthy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English weorþig, built on worth plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Full origin of worthy →Frequently asked questions
What does “worthy” mean?
The word “worthy” means deserving respect, effort, or attention. In plain terms, deserving of something — respect, attention, or an honour.
How do you pronounce “worthy”?
“Worthy” is pronounced WUR-thee (/ˈwɝði/ in IPA).
How do you use “worthy” in a sentence?
Here is “worthy” used in a sentence: “It's a worthy cause that deserves more funding.”
What part of speech is “worthy”?
Depending on how it is used, “worthy” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “worthy” come from?
The word “worthy” comes from Old English. From Old English weorþig, built on worth plus the adjective suffix "-y.".
Is “worthy” a common word?
“Worthy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “worthy” have?
“Worthy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: deserving respect, effort, or attention.
What is the difference between "worthy" and "worthwhile"?
"Worthy" means deserving respect, effort, or attention and often describes people or causes, as in "a worthy winner." "Worthwhile" specifically means worth the time, money, or effort spent, as in "a worthwhile trip." The two overlap, but "worthwhile" focuses on effort being repaid.
What preposition follows "worthy"?
"Worthy" is usually followed by "of," as in "worthy of praise" or "worthy of attention," meaning deserving that thing. It can also appear directly before a noun, as in "a worthy cause."
How is "worthy" used as a noun?
As a noun, a "worthy" is a person of great distinction or standing, and the term is often used humorously or slightly ironically, as in "local worthies." It usually appears in the plural to describe notable or self-important members of a community.
What is the difference between "worthy" and "deserving"?
Both mean meriting something good, but "worthy" often stresses inherent value or respectability, as in "a worthy opponent," while "deserving" emphasises having earned something through actions or need, as in "a deserving cause." They are frequently interchangeable.