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

Put your energy into making worthwhile connections by attending networking functions. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024

Two worthwhile souvenirs to buy in every destination. —Mark Ellwood, Fortune Europe, 6 Apr. 2024

Value No one wants to waste money on a product that isn't worthwhile. —Mark Anderson, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Gilmore is one of the few worthwhile upgrades left standing in free agency. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2024

Still, team officials felt that the change was worthwhile; the new rules were approved by a vote of 29-3. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024

Tips are consistently mentioned as the key to making the pay worthwhile. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024

Canales is very familiar with the Trojans’ program, and Lloyd, despite his notable injury history (including ACL surgery in 2020), could be a worthwhile addition behind Hubbard and Sanders. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2024

While changing personal and corporate attitudes to failure can take time, the benefits make the journey more than worthwhile. —Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 27 Mar. 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