Worth is how valuable or important something is, either in money or in meaning. It can also describe whether something deserves the time, effort, or cost it takes.
“Worth” comes from Old English “weorþ,” meaning “valuable” or “of high price.” It has always been tied to both money value and a more personal sense of importance.
We talk about money ‘worth,’ but the word has always carried a deeper question: what truly deserves your energy and care? When you ask, “Is it worth it?” you’re doing a tiny life-priorities check.
“Worth” has been used to judge people’s social and economic value, often devaluing women’s unpaid labor and restricting their legal and financial worth relative to men. Cultural narratives have also tied women’s worth disproportionately to appearance and marital status.
When talking about people’s worth, avoid tying it to gendered roles, beauty standards, or earning power; emphasize intrinsic human dignity.
Highlight the economic and social worth of women’s paid and unpaid labor, which has historically been undervalued or rendered invisible in official accounts.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.