Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

3 N‑COUNT Worth combines with time expressions, so you can use worth when you are saying how long an amount of something will last. For example, a week's worth of food is the amount of food that will last you for a week. □ [+ of ] You've got three years' worth of research money to do what you want with. ● PRON Worth is also a pronoun. □  There's really not very much food down there. About two weeks' worth.

4 ADJ If you say that something is worth having, you mean that it is pleasant or useful, and therefore a good thing to have. □  He's decided to get a look at the house and see if it might be worth buying. □  Most things worth having never come easy.

5 ADJ If something is worth a particular action, or if an action is worth doing, it is considered to be important enough for that action. □  I am spending a lot of money and time on this boat, but it is worth it. □  This restaurant is well worth a visit. □  It is worth pausing to consider these statements from Mr Davies.

6 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Someone's worth is the value, usefulness, or importance that they are considered to have. [FORMAL ] □  He had never had a woman of her worth as a friend.

7 PHRASE If you do something for all you are worth , you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. □  We both began waving to the crowd for all we were worth. □  Push for all you're worth!

8 PHRASE If you add for what it's worth to something that you say, you are suggesting that what you are saying or referring to may not be very valuable or helpful, especially because you do not want to appear arrogant. □  I've brought my notes, for what it's worth.

9 PHRASE If an action or activity is worth someone's while , it will be helpful, useful, or enjoyable for them if they do it, even though it requires some effort. □  It might be worth your while to go to court and ask for the agreement to be changed.

10worth your weight in gold → see weight

worth|less /wɜː ^r θləs/

1 ADJ Something that is worthless is of no real value or use. □  The guarantee could be worthless if the firm goes out of business. □  Training is worthless unless there is proof that it works. □  …a worthless piece of old junk.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is described as worthless is considered to have no good qualities or skills. □  You feel you really are completely worthless and unlovable.

worth|while /wɜː ^r θ ^h wa I l/ ADJ If something is worthwhile , it is enjoyable or useful, and worth the time, money, or effort that is spent on it. □  The President's trip to Washington this week seems to have been worthwhile. □  It might be worthwhile to consider your attitude to an insurance policy.

wor|thy /wɜː ^r ði/ (worthier , worthiest )

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person or thing is worthy of something, they deserve it because they have the qualities or abilities required. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The bank might think you're worthy of a loan. □ [+ of ] The Minister says the idea is worthy of consideration.

2 ADJ A worthy person or thing is approved of by most people in society and considered to be morally respectable or correct. [FORMAL ] □  …worthy members of the community.

-worthy /-wɜː ^r ði/

1 COMB -worthy can be added to words to form adjectives which indicate that someone or something deserves a particular thing or action. For example, if a remark or person is quote-worthy , they are worth quoting. □  …a few newsworthy events. □  You may see yourself as useless, incompetent and blameworthy.