How to Say "Unworthy" in French

indigne

/ɛ̃.diɲ/

The English word "unworthy" is translated into French as indigne.

It is typically followed by the preposition de when expressing that someone is unworthy of something.

Meaning: not worthy (adj)

How does it change in a sentence?

Indigne is an epicene adjective, meaning the form remains the same regardless of whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine.

The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃.diɲ/.

While indigne describes a lack of merit, French uses the term indignité to describe a specific legal status where a person is barred from inheriting from a deceased relative due to a crime.
The word indigne is a cognate of the English word 'indignant', but while the English word describes a feeling of anger, the French word focuses on the lack of worthiness.
In French, the word indigne is often used in the phrase indigne de soi-même, which suggests that a person has failed to live up to their own personal standards or character.

Cet homme est indigne de toi.
That man is unworthy of you.
This sentence is useful for showing how to express that a person is unworthy of another using indigne.
Tatoeba #1494996 by sacredceltic, translation #1494214 by Spamster
Elle est considérée comme une mère aux mœurs légères, indigne d'élever sa fille.
She is perceived as a promiscuous mother, unworthy of raising her daughter.
This sentence demonstrates how to describe someone as unworthy of a specific responsibility using indigne.
Tatoeba #12614163 by lbdx, translation #12614156 by ddnktr
L'amour qui n'est pas malheureux est indigne de figurer aux annales de la littérature.
Love which is not unhappy is unworthy of figuring in the annals of literature.
This sentence shows the use of indigne in a more literary context regarding what is worthy of literature.
Tatoeba #3301685 by sacredceltic, translation #11024322 by tjwhale
Mon comportement était indigne de ma position sociale.
My behavior was unworthy of my social status.
Ce comportement n'est pas digne d'un ami.
This behavior is not worthy of a friend.
Il est inapte à occuper une telle responsabilité.
He is unworthy of holding such a responsibility.
Ce comportement est vraiment méprisable, il montre à quel point cette personne est indigne.
This behavior is truly despicable, it shows how unworthy this person is.
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Léa and Hugo are discussing a dishonest politician.

Léa

Son comportement est vraiment indigne de son poste.
His behavior is truly unworthy of his position.
Hugo

C'est vrai, il est indigne de la confiance du public.
It's true, he is unworthy of the public's trust.
Léa

Il ne mérite pas ce respect.
He does not deserve this respect.
Hugo

Je suis d'accord avec toi, Léa.
I agree with you, Léa.

Sources

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