worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
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 And the structure of the narrative, which centers Kahlo’s voice, drawn from her letters and diaries, makes the enterprise worthwhile. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Be a good listener, evaluate and offer worthwhile incentives. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 For African filmmakers pondering whether a passion project is worthwhile pursuing despite so many hurdles, Apalowo’s message is not to give up. Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024 Amazon Fresh, who has been struggling with their brick-and-mortar supermarkets, and who has plenty of cash, could also be a worthwhile suitor who could easily pick up 100 (or more?) stores and finally fulfill Jeff Bezos’s dream to be a major player in the supermarket world. Phil Lempert, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 However, if the bulk of your second and third trimesters will be spent in cooler temperatures, then that might be worthwhile. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024 But opening up to listeners has ultimately proven worthwhile. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 The whiskey is delicate and decadent, with notes of oak, chocolate, dark stone fruit, and tobacco on the palate—a worthwhile splurge for sure. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 An emotional experience must be woven into the story in order to make the digital experience more cohesive and ultimately worthwhile for a client. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'worthwhile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of worthwhile was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near worthwhile

Cite this Entry

“Worthwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthwhile. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective
worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
-ˈwī(ə)l
1
: being worth the time or effort spent
worthwhile preparations
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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