worthiness

English

Alternative forms

• worthynesse (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English worthynesse, equivalent to worthy +‎ -ness.

Noun

worthiness (countable and uncountable, plural worthinesses)

1. (uncountable) The state or quality of having value or merit.
   • 1834, Letitia Elizabeth Landon, Francesca Carrara, volume 2, pages 15-16:

     But, unlike the generality of her age, love now occupied no place in the future. How could she ever believe in the worthiness of any one? or, if she believed, it could never so interest her again.

2. (countable) The result or product of having value or merit.
3. (uncountable) The state or quality of being qualified or eligible.
4. (countable) The result or product of being qualified or eligible.

Anagrams

• shire towns