worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

1

: being worth the time or effort spent

worthwhile preparations

2

: worthy sense 1

a worthwhile cause

worthwhileness noun

Examples of worthwhile in a Sentence

The money is for a worthwhile cause.

Seeing my children's joy made building the tree house all worthwhile.

Is it worthwhile to try to fix my computer?

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a representative, the company plans to expand its streaming library to more than 10,000 premium titles over the next few years, an ambitious undertaking that could make sticking with the service worthwhile. —PCMAG, 4 June 2024

Essentially, many businesses no longer trust that going public is worthwhile. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 May 2024

Christensen — who missed all but one game last season due to a right bicep injury that required surgery — appeared to have found a worthwhile landing spot at left guard after entering the NFL as an offensive tackle in 2021. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2024

This concealer is worthwhile for normal, combination, and mature skin because of its value and lasting coverage. —Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l 

-ˈwī(ə)l

1

: being worth the time or effort spent

worthwhile preparations

2

: worthy sense 1a