worthiness

[ wur-thee-nis ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of having great or adequate merit, character, or value:

   These experiences gave her the strength and energy to champion her belief in the fundamental dignity and worthiness of humankind.

2. the fact or quality of meeting the standard for deserving a particular thing or person:

   In The Lion King, Simba must come to terms with his guilt over his father's death and his worthiness to become king.

   The princess decided to set the suitor a task to prove his worthiness of her hand.

Other Words From

• pre·wor·thi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of worthiness¹

worthy ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

However, Black women face their complex existences continuously, grappling with their worthiness in a world where they’re disregarded.

From Salon

I think some of the residue of the work that I’m doing in therapy is worthiness and belonging.

From Los Angeles Times

Embedding self-conscious commentary about the worthiness of a new play, as the writer Abe Koogler does here, is an increasingly common trope.

From New York Times

But a woman’s worthiness isn’t based on her suffering.

From Salon

At the same time, that we can recall those moments from Oscar ceremonies that were as memorable and entertaining to watch as this one bolsters the worthiness of this Oscars round.

From Salon

Related Words

• advantage
• character
• ethic
• excellence
• faith
• generosity
• goodness
• ideal
• kindness
• love
• merit
• morality
• purity
• quality
• rectitude
• righteousness
• value