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 leaves behind only potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium—which are all beneficial to your garden and lawn health. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

First, mantids feed indiscriminately, consuming a wide variety of insects including beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

In fact, a single cup of pomegranate arils contains about 7 grams of fiber, making the fruit beneficial for digestive health and promoting fullness. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Using chemical-laden sprays and repellents isn't always a desirable way to deal with these insect pests, and the use of chemical pesticides can cause harm to wildlife and kill beneficial pollinators. — The Spruce, 2 July 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