worth it

Meaning

This casual expression means that something is useful, enjoyable, or beneficial enough to justify the money, time, or effort spent on it.

Examples

• The climb was tough, but the view from the top was definitely worth it.

  The climb was tough, but the view from the top was definitely worth it.

• It's an expensive restaurant, but the food is totally worth it.

  It's an expensive restaurant, but the food is totally worth it.

• Don't buy that cheap phone; it's not worth it.

  Don't buy that cheap phone; it's not worth it.

• We had to wait in line for two hours, but the ride was worth it.

  We had to wait in line for two hours, but the ride was worth it.

• Is it worth it to book the flight so early?

  Is it worth it to book the flight so early?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The trip was very worth.

  ✓ The trip was totally worth it.

  You cannot use 'worth' alone as an adjective at the end of a sentence. You must say 'worth it' or follow 'worth' with a specific noun (e.g., 'worth the trip').

• ✗ It is worth to buy this car.

  ✓ It is worth buying this car.

  When followed directly by a verb, 'worth' takes the gerund (-ing) form. Alternatively, you can say 'it is worth it to buy this car.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• The hotel was expensive, but the amazing service made it ___.

  💡 Justified the cost.

  Show answer

  worth it

• Don't waste your energy arguing with them; it's simply not ___.

  💡 Not deserving of the effort.

  Show answer

  worth it