beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
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 adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Often, meeting with peers and coordinators can complete this beneficial feedback loop. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Heat therapy is most beneficial for pain caused by tight or stiff muscles. Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 25 Oct. 2025 Weight training and resistance exercises are also beneficial, as well as activities that combine balance, agility and coordination, like Tai Chi or dancing, according to the expert. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025 However, many foods recommended in a pescatarian diet are considered beneficial for metabolic syndrome. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beneficial

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficial was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
beneficially adverb
beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
1
: providing benefits or advantages
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use
a beneficial shareholder
a beneficial estate
beneficially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on beneficial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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