adjective Uncommon

unworthy

uhn-WTHEE

Unworthy (adjective) means not deserving respect, attention, or a particular honor. Example: “He felt unworthy of the award after so many others had worked harder.”

adjective

Not deserving respect, attention, or a particular honor.

"He felt unworthy of the award after so many others had worked harder."

"The claim was dismissed as unworthy of further investigation."

How to use unworthy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot good enough or deserving enough for something.

Common pairings

unworthy of feel unworthy

Word forms

unworthier comparative, unworthies plural, unworthiest superlative

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He felt _____ of the award after so many others had worked harder.

Etymology

From Middle English unworthy, from un- (\"not\") plus worthy.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for unworthy

worthy seaworthy newsworthy noteworthy trustworthy untrustworthy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unworthy” mean?

The word “unworthy” means not deserving respect, attention, or a particular honor. In plain terms, not good enough or deserving enough for something.

How do you pronounce “unworthy”?

“Unworthy” is pronounced uhn-WTHEE (/ʌnˈwɝði/ in IPA).

How do you use “unworthy” in a sentence?

Here is “unworthy” used in a sentence: “He felt unworthy of the award after so many others had worked harder.”

What part of speech is “unworthy”?

“Unworthy” is an adjective.

Where does the word “unworthy” come from?

The word “unworthy” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unworthy, from un- (\"not\") plus worthy.

Is “unworthy” a common word?

“Unworthy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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