Which term describes something that is not deserving of effort or respect?

The term "unworthy" directly describes something that is lacking in merit or deserving of effort or respect. In various contexts, this term can be applied to actions, behaviors, or even concepts that fail to meet a certain standard of value or significance, thereby justifying a lack of regard or effort toward them. In a police or professional setting, understanding this term can be crucial as it informs judgments about the validity of actions or individuals in terms of their impact on community safety and respect for the law.

Other terms provided have different meanings that do not align with the description given. "Desist" refers to ceasing an action or stopping behavior, "ethos" pertains to the character or credibility of a person or group, and "lurking" involves remaining hidden or concealed, which does not imply unworthiness.