Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition worth in American English

worth adjective

adjective
/wɜrθ/

Worth usually follows the verb “to be” and is always followed by either a noun, pronoun, or number, or by the “-ing” form of a verb: The painting is probably worth thousands of dollars.It was a difficult trip, but it was worth it.The movie was definitely worth seeing.

The adjective worth is never followed by an infinitive. Use the pattern worth doing something:

✗ Is it really worth to spend five years of your life studying?

✓ Is it really worth spending five years of your life studying?

✗ The ban on smoking in restaurants is worth to discuss.

✓ The ban on smoking in restaurants is worth discussing.

Note also that the active form of the verb is always used, whether the meaning is active or passive. You can say “this is worth thinking about” or “it is worth thinking about this”:

✗ History is a subject well worth being taught.

✓ History is a subject well worth teaching.

1

if you say how much something is worth, you state its value in money

Example

How much do you think the house is worth?

Example

a Gucci watch worth $1,500

Example

I didn't think the furniture would be worth anything.

Example

The building itself must be worth a fortune.

Synonyms and related words
$90, 80 cents, etc. a clip all in all-in
2

used for saying that there is a good enough reason for doing something, because it is important, enjoyable, useful, etc.

Example

The book is definitely worth reading.

Example

We believe that our freedom is worth fighting for.

Example

It's worth talking to your financial adviser before making your final decision.

Example

Owen's plan was risky, but it was worth a try.

Example

The Museum of Fine Arts is well worth a visit.

Example

It was hard work, but it was worth it in the end.

Example

It's a long way, and probably not worth the effort.

Synonyms and related words
highly monumental cool
3

used for saying how good, useful, or reliable someone or something is

Example

She knows that her loyalty is worth a great deal to Charles.

Example

I'm afraid the government's promises aren't worth much.

Synonyms and related words
useful efficient effective
4

used for saying how rich someone is

Example

She is now worth 20 million dollars.

Synonyms and related words
cash-rich time-poor the rich
5

to have little or no value

Example

In my book, this car isn't worth a dime.

Definition worth in American English