worthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "worthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something as possessing merit or worth. For example: "He is a worthy recipient of the award."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To increase the likelihood of your nomination being considered, please: Tell us why it's a worthy contender.

The Guardian - Music

One day, though, I got to ask him the big question: "Tell me sir, why do you think they haven't given you the Nobel prize?" After a long pause and an amused smile, he replied, "Well, it is a European prize, and only once in a while, when they find you worthy, do they give it out to non-Europeans".

The Guardian - Books

This was a worthy sequel to the previous day, when, as one wit remarked, a party with just one MP had managed a backbench rebellion – as Ukip's solitary presence in Westminster, Douglas Carswell resisted party pressure to take the parliamentary subsidy known as Short money.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not worthy of a party of government.

The Guardian

"I want to be worthy of Ukrainians who have proved to be a very strong nation that deserve a better future in Europe".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Banning gay people from using the word "marriage" suggests they are less worthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poems are worthy of study, he says.

The Guardian - Books

The recruitment of Rob Jones was a masterstroke worthy of a club that had a rich tradition of mining gems from the lower leagues.

The Guardian - Sport

90s remakes We hope The Craft, the latest victim of this trend, is worthy of the original.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was an act of misdirection worthy of a cheap stage magician, shifting responsibility for economic failure onto those who were barely out of primary school when it happened, a shameless act of divide and rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

A particularly tasty dish – a cordon bleu irony, an irony worthy of a rating from Michelin – is produced by the important contest to be the next leader of the scunnered Scottish Labour party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worthy", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is worthy of, whether it's praise, respect, or a specific action.

Common error

While "worthy" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts. Consider stronger synonyms like "meritorious" or "valuable" for enhanced impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "worthy" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something possessing merit, value, or deservingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correctly and broadly used in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "worthy" functions primarily as an adjective to denote something deserving of respect, merit, or value. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. As shown by the diverse examples, "worthy" appears frequently in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. Consider alternatives like "deserving" or "meritorious" to add nuanced meaning, and ensure the context clarifies what the subject is "worthy" of. While generally acceptable, aim for precision in highly formal situations. The abundance of examples proves that "worthy" is a prevalent and valuable term in contemporary English discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserving

Focuses on the idea of earning or meriting something.

meritorious

Highlights the commendable and praiseworthy nature of something.

valuable

Emphasizes the worth or importance of something.

suitable

Indicates appropriateness for a particular purpose or situation.

admirable

Focuses on the quality of inspiring respect and approval.

respectable

Suggests that something is decent and appropriate.

honorable

Highlights integrity and ethical behavior.

estimable

Implies that something is worthy of great respect and admiration.

creditable

Indicates something is deserving of praise or recognition.

befitting

Emphasizes that something is appropriate or suitable.

FAQs

How can I use "worthy" in a sentence?

You can use "worthy" to describe someone or something deserving of respect, praise, or consideration. For example, "She is a worthy candidate for the position."

What's a stronger alternative to "worthy"?

Depending on the context, stronger alternatives to "worthy" include "meritorious", "valuable", or "estimable".

How does "worthy" differ from "worthwhile"?

"Worthy" suggests deservingness or merit, while "worthwhile" implies that something is valuable and rewarding. A project can be "worthwhile" even if it doesn't necessarily make someone "worthy" of praise.

Which is correct, "worthy of" or "worthy to"?

"Worthy of" is generally the correct and more common usage. "Worthy to" can be used in specific contexts, but "worthy of" is more versatile and widely accepted.