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

Their breakthrough centers on engineering a specialized shell around CoF₂ particles that can selectively allow beneficial ion transport while blocking harmful dissolution paths. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

Programming No matter your age or your skill level, a lesson or clinic with Deer Valley's Ski School will be beneficial to your on-mountain experience. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026

The primary way to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of water; however, adding lemon to your water can be even more beneficial. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026

While the watering needs of trees are largely weather-dependent, there are instances when supplemental irrigation is beneficial. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 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