Unworthiness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Unworthiness is the feeling or state of not deserving respect, love, or acceptance due to perceived inadequacies or failures. It often leads to low self-esteem or guilt.
Definition:
The state of lacking value, merit, or deserving respect.
Synonyms:
worthlessness, inadequacy, inferiority, undeservingness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
worthiness, merit, value
Common Collocations:
feelings of unworthiness, sense of unworthiness, overcome unworthiness
Derivatives:
unworthy (adj.), unworthily (adv.)
Usage Tips:
Use "unworthiness" to describe a deep-seated feeling of not deserving respect or love due to perceived flaws.
Common Phrases:
burden of unworthiness, wallow in unworthiness, drown in unworthiness
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "unweorþ," meaning "not worthy," combined with the suffix "-ness" indicating a state or quality.
Examples:
- 1. She struggled with feelings of unworthiness after the rejection.
- 2. His constant criticism reinforced her sense of unworthiness.
- 3. Therapy helped him overcome his deep-seated unworthiness.
- 4. Unworthiness can stem from childhood experiences of neglect.