EnglishMain Dictionary
worth
Universal Words
adjective, noun
adjective [notbeforenoun] (usually used like a preposition)
1 having a value in money, etc:
Our house is worth about 」100000. * How much is this painting worth? * to be worth a bomb / packet / fortune (= a lot of money) * It isn't worth much. * If you answer this question correctly, it's worth five points.
2 ~ sth / doing sth used to recommend the action mentioned because you think it may be useful, enjoyable, etc:
The museum is certainly worth a visit. * This idea is well worth considering. * It's worth making an appointment before you go.
3 ~ sth / doing sth important, good or enjoyable enough to make sb feel satisfied. especially when difficulty or effort is involved:
to be worth the effort / expense / fuss * The new house really wasn't worth all the expense involved. * The job involves a lot of hard work but it's worth it. * The trip was expensive but it was worth every penny.
seealsoWORTHWHILE
4 (of a person) having money and possessions of a particular value:
He's worth about 」10 million.
IDIOMS
for all sb / it is worth
1 with great energy, effort and determination:
He was rowing for all he was worth.
2 in order to get as much as you can from sb/sth:
She is milking her success for all it's worth.
for what it's worth (spoken) used to emphasize that what you are saying is only your own opinion or suggestion and may not be very helpful:
I prefer this colour, for what it's worth.
(the game is) not worth the candle (old-fashioned, saying) the advantages to be gained from doing sth are not great enough, considering the effort or cost involved:
If the price goes up again, he may decide that the game's not worth the candle.
not worth the paper it's written / printed on (of an agreement or official document) having no value, especially legally, or because one of the people involved has no intention of doing what they said they would
worth your / its salt deserving respect, especially because you do your job well:
Any teacher worth her salt knows that.
worth your / its weight in gold very useful or valuable:
A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.
worth your while interesting or useful for sb to do:
It will be worth your while to come to the meeting. * He'll do the job if you make it worth his while (= pay him well).
moreatBIRD, JOB
noun [U]
1 ten dollars', 」40, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that has the value mentioned:
The winner will receive ten pounds' worth of books. * a dollar's worth of change
2 a week's, month's, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that lasts a week, etc.
3 the financial, practical or moral value of sb/sth:
Their contribution was of great worth. * The activities help children to develop a sense of their own worth. * A good interview enables candidates to prove their worth (= show how good they are). * a personal net worth of $10 million
IDIOMS see MONEY