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

If the world of tiny houses is foreign to you, your mind may be flooded with questions about where to even start looking for a worthwhile option. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026

While Morgan and Luke Kuechly have been mentoring the 2024 third-round pick, the Panthers probably need to upgrade over him with the top inside linebacker spot — or, at the very least, get some worthwhile insurance for his recovery from season-ending surgery. —Mike Kaye january 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

Watching the volcano's interior move in 3D on a computer screen makes all of the effort worthwhile. —Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026

Matas Buzelis added a worthwhile page to a turbulent sophomore season. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Jan. 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