seaworthy

American  

[see-wur-thee] / ˈsiˌwɜr ði /

adjective

seaworthier, seaworthiest

1. constructed, outfitted, manned, and in all respects fitted for a voyage at sea.

2. safe for a voyage at sea.

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seaworthy British  

/ ˈsiːˌwɜːðɪ /

adjective

1. in a fit condition or ready for a sea voyage

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Other Word Forms

• seaworthiness noun
• unseaworthiness noun
• unseaworthy adjective

Etymology

Origin of seaworthy

First recorded in 1800–10; sea + -worthy

Explanation

A seaworthy boat or ship is in good enough condition to safely be taken on an ocean trip. The Titanic, famously, proved not to be seaworthy. As you drive your car onto an enormous ferry bound for Martha's Vineyard, you might worry a little about whether it's seaworthy — those cars are heavy! When something is seaworthy, it's good enough, or worthy, to travel on the sea, even during stormy conditions. This word dates from the early 19th century. The Old English version was særof, "hardy at sea."

Example Sentences

The Argentine naval submarine that imploded in 2017, killing 44 sailors, was seaworthy, the highest-ranking of four former officers said Wednesday on the second day of their trial.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

"We do have a beautiful, seaworthy ship, the former Holland American Veendam, now the Majestic," VCL's US representative wrote on the company's Facebook page.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

These features, along with previous reconstruction experiments, indicate these were seaworthy vessels, a conclusion supported by the presence at the site of stone tools linked to nearby islands.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

Coast Guard said there were no injuries to the 19 crew members aboard the vessel, Genius Star XI, and that it remained seaworthy.

From New York Times • Dec. 30, 2023

The skiff was barely seaworthy, but it had survived the trip to the island, even through the wild currents that wrecked much bigger boats.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk