English Reference
adjective · noun

worth

adj. · n.
US /ˈwɝθ/ UK /wˈɜːθ/ worth UK spelling worthed, worths

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.having a specific value in money.

    adj.having a specified value; used predicatively to indicate the monetary price or exchange value of an object.

    Simple

    The old gold ring is worth about five hundred dollars today.

    In context

    Experts estimate that the recovered shipwreck is worth millions, though the historical value of the artefacts far outweighs their potential auction price.

    Usage

    Always followed by a noun phrase or a number indicating value.

    valued atpriced at
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.good enough for you to spend time, money, or effort on it.

    adj.deserving of the time, effort, or attention required for a particular activity.

    Simple

    It was a long walk to the top of the hill, but the view was worth it.

    In context

    While the initial investment is significant, the long-term energy savings make the solar panel installation well worth the expense.

    Usage

    Often used in the pattern 'worth doing something' or 'worth the effort'.

    Pitfall
    The museum is worth to visit. The museum is worth visiting.

    After 'worth', use the -ing form of a verb, not the infinitive with 'to'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.the quality that makes someone or something important or useful.

    n.the quality that renders a person or thing highly useful, important, or estimable.

    Simple

    The company quickly realised the true worth of their new employee.

    In context

    The true worth of a mentor is often only fully appreciated years later, when their advice finally resonates with a student's lived experience.

    uselessness
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the amount of something that you can get or do in a certain period of time.

    n.the amount of something that can be produced, consumed, or achieved within a specified duration.

    Simple

    She bought a week's worth of groceries so she wouldn't have to shop again.

    In context

    The hard drive contained ten years' worth of family photos and documents, making its recovery a top priority for the technician.

    Usage

    Usually follows a time expression with a possessive 's or s'.

Usage worth noting · worth of goods · worth an estimated

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated