different between unworthy vs scandalous

English

Etymology

From Middle English unworthy, equivalent to un- +? worthy.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?w?ði/

  Rhymes: -??(r)ði

Adjective

unworthy (comparative unworthier, superlative unworthiest)

1. Not worthy; lacking value or merit; worthless.
   • 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene i^[1]:

     […] But alas the while!

     If Hercules and Lichas play at dice

     Which is the better man, the greater throw

     May turn by the fortune from the weaker hand:

     So is Alcides beaten by his page;

     And so may I, blind Fortune leading me,

     Miss that which one unworthier may attain,

     And die with grieving.

   Antonym: worthy

Derived terms

• unworthily
• unworthiness

Related terms

• worth
• unworth

Translations

Noun

unworthy (plural unworthies)

1. An inadequate person.

English

Etymology

From Medieval Latin scandalosus, via French scandaleuse; as if scandal + -ous.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /?skænd?l?s/

Adjective

scandalous (comparative more scandalous, superlative most scandalous)

1. Wrong, immoral, causing a scandal
   • 1884, Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

     The thing made a big stir in the town, too, and a good many come out flatfooted and said it was scandalous to separate the mother and the children that way.

2. Malicious, defamatory.
   • 1592, Thomas Kyd, The Spanish Tragedie

     These be the scandalous reports of such / As loves not me, and hate my lord too much.

   • 1887, Marie Corelli, Thelma

     I always disregard gossip--it is generally scandalous, and seldom true.
3. Outrageous; exceeding reasonable limits.

Derived terms

• scandalously
• scandalousness

Translations