unworthy

Everyday

1. Unworthy means not deserving something, especially something good: «I felt unworthy of the prize.» tree →
2. Unworthy of someone means not good enough for their character: «That mean comment is unworthy of you.» tree →
3. (church) In church language, people speak of being unworthy before God, meaning they need God's mercy. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a hero feels unworthy at first and then proves themselves; in fairy tales, only the worthy can pull out the sword. In church, prayers before communion include words about being unworthy. In everyday talk, «that's unworthy of you» is a gentle telling-off. Phrases: «unworthy of», «feel unworthy», «unworthy of attention».

Examples

• The young knight felt unworthy to hold the magic sword. tree →
• That rude remark is unworthy of you. tree →
• The prize went to a team that some said was unworthy of it. tree →
• The old story said only the pure in heart could lift the stone; the unworthy failed. tree →
• (church) In some services, people pray, «Lord, I am not worthy to receive you.» tree →
• The rumour was unworthy of a reply. tree →
• You have proved yourself unworthy of the riches that were given you. tree →

Note

Adjective. Usually followed by «of»: «unworthy of praise». Opposite: worthy. Say «un-WUR-thee» with the soft «th» as in «the».