# unworthy

/ənˈwɝði/ (US) · /ʌnwˈɜːði/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unworthy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not deserving of respect, attention, or a particular honor. You use this to describe something that is not good enough for a specific person or situation.

For teachers: lacking in value, merit, or honor; not deserving of a particular status or treatment. Often used to describe actions or thoughts that fall below a person's moral standards.

## Examples

- He felt unworthy of the award he received.
- The politician dismissed the rumors as unworthy of a serious response from his office.
- She struggled with the persistent feeling that she was unworthy of her success, despite having worked harder than anyone else in the firm.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'of' and a noun phrase.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.