beneficial

1 of 2

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

beneficialness

2 of 2

noun

ben·​e·​fi·​cial·​ness

¦be-nə-¦fi-shəl-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being beneficial

Synonyms of beneficial

Adjective

• favorable
• helpful
• good
• profitable

Examples of beneficial in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Like many insects, mealybug destroyers are beneficial throughout their life cycle. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Executives from both sides framed the deal as mutually beneficial. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Developmentally beneficial activities such as education, socializing and leisure have come to rely on the internet to extend and maintain face-to-face connections. — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Or simply curling up with a good book is a beneficial alternative. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

Adjective

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