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
beneficialness
noun
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
But the major platform of the Oscars also brings another level of exposition, which is not always beneficial for a documentary director trying to move stealthily and precisely.
—
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
In-person interaction, however, is the most beneficial.
—Holly Haber, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Researchers estimated that internet use is most harmful for Gen Z, less harmful for millennials, close to neutral for Gen X, and slightly beneficial for baby boomers.
—Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
While inside linebacker isn’t a need, being forward-thinking is always beneficial to roster building.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
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Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
In-person interaction, however, is the most beneficial.
—Holly Haber, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Researchers estimated that internet use is most harmful for Gen Z, less harmful for millennials, close to neutral for Gen X, and slightly beneficial for baby boomers.
—Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
While inside linebacker isn’t a need, being forward-thinking is always beneficial to roster building.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
Cite this Entry
“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beneficial
adjective
ben·e·fi·cial
ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
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
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