What does newsworthy mean?
Newsworthy is an adjective describing something that deserves to be reported in the news or is likely to attract public attention. The word often applies to an unusual, dramatic, timely, or consequential event, story, image, or issue, although it can also be used more broadly of information that has news value. Its use does not necessarily mean that the subject is extremely important; something may be newsworthy simply because it is striking, unexpected, or relevant to public interest. In journalism, the term frequently describes material considered suitable for publication or broadcast. It is used in British and American English and appears especially often in reporting, media discussions, and public-relations contexts. The related noun newsworthiness expresses the quality of being newsworthy.
adjectiveWorthy of being reported as news, especially because it is unusual, interesting, important, or likely to attract public attention. It can also refer to something that communicates information of public interest.
- Deserving or likely to receive public attention through news reports.
"The charity's unexpected success became newsworthy after photographs of its work appeared online."
"The unusual discovery was considered newsworthy because it had implications for climate research."
"Her careful investigation made the neglected issue newsworthy."
Something can be newsworthy without being important: being sufficiently unusual to attract attention is often enough.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does newsworthy come from?
Newsworthy is a modern compound formed from news and worthy. The element news ultimately derives from Latin novus, meaning “new,” through French, while worthy comes from an Old English word meaning “honourable” or “of value.” The compound expresses the idea of something being worthy of attention as news.
Related word forms
How newsworthy is actually used
The word is commonly used in journalism and public relations and often suggests that something is interesting or attention-grabbing, rather than necessarily being of major public importance. It is neutral to slightly formal in tone.