What does unworthily mean?
Unworthily is an adverb meaning in a way that is unworthy, shameful, improper, or beneath what a person should do. It is especially used when describing conduct judged to be morally deficient, although it can also modify the manner in which an action or treatment occurs. The word has a strongly negative, formal register and conveys more than merely being unsatisfactory: it suggests a failure of character, dignity, or principle. For example, someone who betrays comrades or accepts an honour through dishonest means may be said to behave unworthily. Because it focuses on how an action is performed, unworthily complements the adjective unworthy, which describes a person or thing as lacking merit. Although modern usage is less common than the corresponding adjective, the word remains useful in literary, historical, religious, and moral discussion, where it gives precise emphasis to the manner of an act.
adverbIn an unworthy or undeserving manner, especially in a way that is morally improper or beneath a person's dignity.
- In a manner that is morally improper, shameful, or beneath the standards expected of someone.
"He refused to accept the award unworthily, believing that others deserved the honour more."
"The soldiers fought unworthily, abandoning their posts when the battle became difficult."
"She believed that accepting the prize unworthily would betray the principles of the competition."
Unworthily turns a moral judgment into a description of action: it tells us not only that conduct was unworthy, but that it was carried out in an unworthy way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unworthily come from?
Unworthily is an English formation built from the negative prefix un-, the adjective worthy, and the adverbial suffix -ly. The prefix un- and the adjective worthy both have roots in Old English, while -ly developed from an Old English adverbial ending. Worthy itself is related to the Old English noun weorþ, meaning worth or value, and the modern word continues that broad Germanic sense of merit and importance.
How unworthily is actually used
This is a formal and relatively literary word. It commonly expresses moral disapproval and is often used in contexts involving conduct, conduct, character, or the manner in which someone is treated.
Easily confused with unworthily
Unworthy is an adjective describing a person, thing, or action as lacking value or merit, whereas unworthily is an adverb describing the manner in which something is done.