unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē 

1

a

: lacking in excellence or value : poor, worthless

b

: base, dishonorable

2

: not meritorious : undeserving

unworthy of attention

3

: not deserved : unmerited

unworthy treatment

4

: inappropriate to one's condition or station

actions unworthy of a gentleman

unworthily

ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

unworthiness

ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

Examples of unworthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But these feelings differ from the systemic barriers and biases that create environments where women—and especially women of color—are made to feel unworthy. —Shari Dunn, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025

To rename the Gulf of Mexico is so petty — unworthy of our greatness as a nation. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025

Insecurity in Relationships Insecurity in relationships often stems from early experiences where a child felt inadequate, unworthy, or unseen. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

Furthermore, any restaurant that wants to serve alcohol should be allowed to until proven unworthy. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unworthy

• blameworthy
• newsworthy
• noteworthy
• praiseworthy
• trustworthy
• creditworthy
• untrustworthy
• worthy

Kids Definition

unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē 

ˈən-

: lacking in excellence or worth : undeserving

unworthily

-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

unworthiness

-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy

: not meritorious

specifically, in the civil law of Louisiana : being or relating to an heir who is deprived of the right to inherit from a person because of a failure in a duty towards the person

unworthiness noun