What does noteworthy mean?
Noteworthy is an adjective for something that attracts attention because it is unusual, important, remarkable, or otherwise worthy of comment. It is commonly used before nouns such as "achievement," "difference," "example," and "feature." The word often conveys more than simple visibility: a notable feature may be easy to see, while a noteworthy feature may also matter because of its significance or implications. Noteworthy is used in both formal and neutral contexts, including academic writing, journalism, reports, and ordinary conversation. Its meaning can overlap with notable, but noteworthy more directly emphasizes that something deserves attention. The expression is also useful when drawing attention to a particularly interesting detail in an argument, account, or piece of information without necessarily implying that the detail is spectacular.
adjectiveDescribing something that is noticeable, important, or worthy of attention. It often implies that something stands out from ordinary or unremarkable things.
- Describing someone or something that attracts attention because of an unusual, important, or remarkable quality.
"The proposal included a noteworthy change to the way the team handles customer feedback."
"One noteworthy feature of the design is how easily it adapts to different screen sizes."
"The researcher made a noteworthy discovery about the migration patterns of the species."
Noteworthy is a fitting word for a fact that makes you pause: literally, it is worthy of a note.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does noteworthy come from?
Noteworthy was formed in English from note and worthy, combining the idea of making a note with the idea of being deserving of attention. Both elements are older words: note has roots in Latin nota, meaning "mark" or "known thing," while worthy derives from Old English weorþig, meaning "having value or being dear." The combination developed into a standard English adjective for something that merits notice, and related forms include notable and notation.
Related word forms
How noteworthy is actually used
Generally formal or neutral in register. It is commonly placed before a noun, as in "a noteworthy achievement," and is stronger than merely "noticeable" when the thing attracts attention because of its significance or unusual character.
Easily confused with noteworthy
Noteworthy means noticeable or deserving of attention, whereas notable more often suggests that something is distinguished or worthy of being remembered.