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

Many are intensely private, so part of the heritage director’s role is to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025

Even just 1 to 2 inches of compost spread over your beds helps replenish nutrients, build soil structure, and perk up beneficial soil microbes and earthworm populations that make gardens thrive. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

Lifestyle and Dietary Tips Diet and lifestyle changes can have beneficial effects on bloating and gut health too. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025

This eating plan focuses on foods with a variety of nutrients such as green leafy vegetables, fish and whole grains that are beneficial for cognitive function and don’t include ones with high amounts of trans and saturated fats. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025

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