beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl 

1

: producing good results or helpful effects : conferring benefits (see benefit entry 1 sense 1)

the beneficial effects of regular exercise

insects that are beneficial to your garden

2

: receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit

a beneficial owner of securities

a beneficial interest in an estate

beneficially

ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

beneficialness noun

Synonyms of beneficial

• favorable
• helpful
• good
• profitable

Examples of beneficial in a Sentence

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to many people.

Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects.

They have a relationship that is beneficial to both of them.

Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.

Recent Examples on the Web

Records show Sunshine Residential Homes made political donations beneficial to Hobbs and months later received a rate increase from the state for providing beds for children. — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Yes, the language of Love Island USA is part of its strategic gameplay, so painting your villa-mates as more interested in playing the field than finding love is a beneficial move. — Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Others argue a club investing and bringing such players into the league brings more eyeballs, which is beneficial for the game’s growth. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways The best anti-inflammatory carbs are whole grains, which are rich in fiber and beneficial plant compounds. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for beneficial

• artificial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• superficial
• unofficial
• extrajudicial
• semiofficial
• initial

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl 

: producing results that are good for health and happiness

beneficially

-ˈfish-ə-lē 

adverb

beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl 

1

: providing benefits or advantages

2

: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use

a beneficial shareholder

a beneficial estate

beneficially

-shə-lē 

adverb