# worthiness

/ˈwɝðinɪs/ (US) · /wˈɜːðɪnəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/worthiness
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

how much someone or something deserves respect, trust, or a reward.

For teachers: deservedness for respect, attention, or reward based on merit, suitability, or moral value.

## Examples

- Her hard work proves her worthiness for the award.
- The committee reviews each applicant's record to judge their worthiness for the scholarship.
- The novel questions the worthiness of its hero, revealing how public honour often rests on private compromises that history later judges more harshly.

## Synonyms

merit, worth

## Antonyms

unworthiness

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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.