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

The comfortable material is certainly worthwhile to highlight, but what’s even more impressive is the amount of colors the set comes in. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

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

For pet lovers, the only thing that could make the expansive network of more than 400 stunning parks more worthwhile is if each and every one allowed dogs to partake in the outdoor splendor. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 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