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

This is particularly beneficial for formats like 4DX, which frequently rely on older, dimmer projectors. — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Home warranties are usually the most beneficial for homes with older appliances and systems, which are more likely to experience issues from normal wear and tear. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

In addition to protein, pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, zinc, and other nutrients that are beneficial for heart health and sleep. — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 27 Aug. 2026

It’s seen as particularly beneficial for apartment dwellers and renters and would provide users with a relatively inexpensive way to lower their electrical bills by generating some of their own electricity. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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