is not worth

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not worth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not valuable or important. Example: "Trying to please everyone is not worth the effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not worth it".

The New York Times - Sports

"The collateral damage is not worth it".

The New York Times - Tech

The unlived life is not worth examining.

The New York Times

Sexual intercourse is not worth the risks".

The New Yorker

It just is not worth it".

The New Yorker

This is not worth remarking upon perhaps.

The New York Times - Books

"Life is not worth it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is not worth a light".

The Guardian

But all that is not worth it.

The Guardian - Film

My music is not worth $2.5bn.

The Guardian - Tech

It is not worth a comment.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not worth", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what the cost or effort is being weighed against. For example, "The potential risk is not worth the small reward."

Common error

Avoid using "is not worth" without clearly stating what it is being compared to. Saying "It's not worth it" without context leaves the reader wondering what the 'it' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not worth" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that something lacks sufficient value, merit, or importance when weighed against a particular cost, effort, or risk. Ludwig AI shows examples where it is used to express whether something justifies the investment required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not worth" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something's value doesn't justify its cost, effort, or associated risks. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent use across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki articles. To maximize clarity, always specify what's being weighed against what. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it's important to avoid omitting the object of comparison for a complete and understandable expression. By using alternatives like "is not justified" or "does not warrant", you can subtly adjust the emphasis and convey nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not deserving of

Focuses on whether something merits a particular action or treatment, emphasizing moral or ethical considerations.

is not justified by

Indicates that the outcome or consequences don't warrant the actions taken.

does not warrant

Suggests that something is not important or significant enough to merit a specific response or action.

is not commensurate with

Implies that the scale or degree of something is disproportionate or inappropriate compared to something else.

is not advantageous

Emphasizes the lack of benefit or positive outcome associated with something.

is not beneficial

Highlights the lack of positive impact or helpfulness of something.

is a waste of

Focuses on the inefficient or unproductive use of resources like time or effort.

is pointless to

Highlights the futility or lack of purpose in pursuing a certain action.

is futile to

Stresses the hopelessness or ineffectiveness of an endeavor.

is inadvisable

Indicates that a course of action should not be taken due to potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "is not worth" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not worth" is used to express that the value or benefit of something does not justify the cost, effort, or risk involved. For example, "The risk "is not worth the reward"" or "The effort "is not worth the outcome"".

What are some alternatives to "is not worth"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "is not justified", "does not warrant", or "is pointless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "is not worth" or "isn't worth"?

"Is not worth" is slightly more formal than "isn't worth", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The contracted form, "isn't worth", is more common in everyday conversation and informal writing.

What's the difference between "is not worth" and "is not valuable"?

"Is not valuable" simply means something lacks inherent value. "Is not worth" implies a comparison between the value and a cost, effort, or risk. Something might be valuable in itself, but "is not worth the expense".