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

For some buyers, paying extra for the latest model can be worthwhile. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Most people agree that updating government websites is a worthwhile and necessary endeavor. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026

Theorizing consciousness with twentieth-century tools of science is a worthwhile twenty-first-century endeavor. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Basecamp can be worthwhile for large teams that can take advantage of its flat pricing to save money, but the more capable Teamwork and Zoho Projects remain our Editors’ Choice winners for client work and value, respectively. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for worthwhile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle

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