unworthiness

IPA/ʌnˈwɜːðinəs/
IPA/ʌnˈwɜːrðinəs/

unworthiness — noun

1. the quality of not deserving respect, trust, or support because of bad character

1.nounC1
Definition

the quality of not deserving respect, trust, or support because of bad character or actions.

Example

Christopher's unworthiness became obvious when he took credit for Hana's work.

unworthiness shown by taking credit for others' work

The crowd talked about the mayor's unworthiness after he mocked the injured player.

Common collocations
  • sense of unworthiness
  • feel unworthiness
  • confess unworthiness
  • prove unworthiness through deceit
  • unworthiness for office
Synonyms
  • lack of merit

    plainer and more analytical than the formal word 'unworthiness'

  • disgrace

    focuses more on shame or public dishonor than on underlying character

  • unfitness

    narrower; often used for being unsuitable for a duty, office, or role

Antonyms
  • worthiness

    direct opposite; deserving respect, support, or trust

  • integrity

    emphasizes strong moral character rather than the judgment made about it

Grammar Patterns

someone's unworthiness

the unworthiness of + noun

feel unworthiness after + gerund

Usage Note

Usually uncountable and formal. When followed by 'for', it often judges whether someone deserves a role, prize, or trust after bad conduct, not whether they simply lack skill.

Common Mistakes

His unworthinesses were obvious after the hearing.
His unworthiness was obvious after the hearing.
'unworthiness' is usually uncountable.
The board questioned her unworthiness for the role' when you only mean she lacked experience.
The board questioned her suitability for the role.
'unworthiness' suggests moral failure or lack of merit, not simple inexperience.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all express a negative judgment, but they point to different problems. 'Unworthiness' is the most formal and asks whether a person, action, or cause deserves respect, trust, or support at all. 'Shame' often names a painful feeling inside someone, so it can describe emotion rather than actual merit. 'Disgrace' focuses more on public dishonor or scandal. 'Unfitness' is narrower and usually means someone is not suitable for a duty, office, or task. 'Lack of merit' is the plainest and most neutral phrase. Use 'unworthiness' when the judgment is about character or moral value, not only practical ability. A liar may show unworthiness, while a tired driver may show unfitness.

shame ↗disgrace ↗unfitness ↗lack of merit

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a sense of unworthiness
  • someone's unworthiness for office
  • the unworthiness of a leader

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The noun 'unworthiness' was formed in English from 'unworthy' and the suffix '-ness'. 'Unworthy' joins the negative prefix 'un-' to 'worthy', a word from Old English 'weorthig', meaning 'having worth or value'. The noun came to describe the state of lacking the moral or personal value that would make someone deserve respect, trust, or support.