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
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
Walking on an incline, according to research, engages the lower body and may improve cardiovascular health without overstressing the joints, which is especially beneficial for older adults.
—
Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
Positive research on hydrogen water is in animals, while human studies showing a beneficial impact on oxidative stress, athletic recovery and reduced fatigue have been extremely small — 10 to 50 people.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Are grapes beneficial for health?
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
When Cracking a Window Helps In certain conditions and for the right sleeper, cracking a window can be beneficial.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
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Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
Positive research on hydrogen water is in animals, while human studies showing a beneficial impact on oxidative stress, athletic recovery and reduced fatigue have been extremely small — 10 to 50 people.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Are grapes beneficial for health?
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
When Cracking a Window Helps In certain conditions and for the right sleeper, cracking a window can be beneficial.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
Cite this Entry
“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beneficial
adjective
ben·e·fi·cial
ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
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
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