unworthy
/ʌnˈwɜːði/ (bre, ipa) · [ənwˈɚði] /ʌnˈwɜːrði/ (ame, ipa) · [ənwˈɚði] /ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē How to pronounce unworthy (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unworthy — adjective
- unworthypositive
- more unworthycomparative
- most unworthysuperlative
1. When a person or their actions do not have the qualities that would earn them ot
When a person or their actions do not have the qualities that would earn them other people's respect, praise, or backing.
The politician's dishonest behavior made him unworthy of public trust.
unworthy of + abstract noun (trust, loyalty)
Yumi felt her own efforts were unworthy of the praise her teacher gave her.
Mayor Okonkwo's decision to close the public library showed he was unworthy of the community's trust.
In her farewell speech, the principal reminded the students that no one is unworthy of kindness and respect.
Diego's rude comments toward the guests were unworthy of a professional host.
- undeserving
Focuses on not having earned something, while 'unworthy' emphasises lacking the necessary qualities
- discreditable
Stronger emphasis on bringing shame or damage to reputation; more formal
- ignoble
Formal or literary term suggesting a complete absence of moral honor; stronger than 'unworthy'
- worthy
Deserving respect, admiration, or support
- meritorious
Formal term meaning deserving praise or reward
文法句型
unworthy of + noun/pronoun
用法筆記
Often used in the pattern 'unworthy of [something]' where the object names the respect or admiration that is not deserved.
常見錯誤
2. Said of an idea, claim, or piece of information that has so little substance or
Said of an idea, claim, or piece of information that has so little substance or value that it does not merit anyone's time, attention, or serious consideration.
The lawyer argued that the old witness statement was unworthy of the court's time.
unworthy of + [entity]'s time
Amara considered the rumors unworthy of a response and ignored them completely.
The editor rejected the article, calling it unworthy of publication in the journal.
Chen thought the minor complaint was unworthy of further investigation.
When the evidence proved unreliable, the judge declared it unworthy of belief.
- worthless
Stronger and more direct; 'unworthy' is more about failing a standard than having zero value
- negligible
Suggests smallness of importance; more objective and technical in tone
- insignificant
Focuses on lack of importance rather than failing a standard of worth
- worthy
Deserving of consideration or attention
- noteworthy
Worth paying attention to
文法句型
unworthy of + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Commonly used with abstract nouns such as 'consideration', 'attention', 'belief', 'notice'. The subject is usually a claim, idea, or piece of information rather than a person.
常見錯誤
3. When the quality or character of something falls short of what is normally expec
When the quality or character of something falls short of what is normally expected or required for a particular role, position, occasion, or standard.
Such casual language is unworthy of a formal academic paper.
unworthy of + [domain/standard]
Fatima's careless work was unworthy of her usual high standards.
The cheap decorations seemed unworthy of the grand wedding ceremony.
Omar's selfish behavior during the crisis was unworthy of someone in his position of trust.
Vikram felt that the tiny apartment was unworthy of the rent the landlord demanded.
- unbecoming
Very close in meaning; 'unbecoming' tends to focus on social appropriateness while 'unworthy' implies a moral or quality judgment
- unsuitable
Broader and more neutral; does not carry the judgmental tone of 'unworthy'
- inappropriate
Focuses on lack of fittingness; more objective and common in everyday use
文法句型
unworthy of + noun
用法筆記
The object of 'of' names the expected standard or role, for example 'unworthy of her talent', 'unworthy of a professional', or 'unworthy of the occasion'.
常見錯誤
4. Characterizing an action or conduct as morally contemptible and beneath the stan
Characterizing an action or conduct as morally contemptible and beneath the standards of basic decency — used as a direct moral judgment, typically without an accompanying 'of'-phrase.
The company's decision to dump waste in the river was unworthy and deserved punishment.
unworthy as predicative adjective
Kofi could not believe that his colleague would stoop to such an unworthy act.
stoop to + unworthy act
Spreading false rumors about a coworker to damage her promotion chances is a deeply unworthy act.
The historian described the general's actions during the war as unworthy of a civilized nation.
Mei refused to take part in the scheme, saying it was entirely unworthy.
- base
Very similar in moral judgment; 'base' is slightly more literary and carries a stronger sense of lowliness
- contemptible
Focuses on the feeling of scorn that the action evokes in others, while 'unworthy' is more about the action's own nature
- despicable
Stronger than 'unworthy'; suggests the action deserves hatred or disgust
文法句型
be unworthy
deem something unworthy
用法筆記
Typically describes actions or behavior rather than labeling a person directly. Most common in formal, literary, or moral commentary contexts.