meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

a

: having a meaning or purpose

The tests did not produce any meaningful results.

b

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful life

a meaningful relationship

2

: having an assigned function in a language system

meaningful propositions

meaningfully

ˈmē-niŋ-fə-lē 

adverb

meaningfulness noun

Synonyms of meaningful

• suggestive
• eloquent
• expressive
• revealing
• meaning

Examples of meaningful in a Sentence

The test did not produce any meaningful results.

She looked at him in a meaningful way.

He wanted to feel that his job was meaningful.

The trip turned out to be very meaningful for both of them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Others can involve providing financial stability for a child who has pursued a meaningful and fulfilling career that does not pay very much, or assisting younger family members with a down payment in a tight housing market. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

This development also signals the ongoing momentum of VFX professionals organizing for fair wages, sustainable benefits, safer working conditions, and a meaningful voice at work. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Venezuela has also profited, although the long-term viability of its oil and gas sector remains in question in the absence of a meaningful democratic transition. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Since lower rates are directly tied to demand in a name like that (think Club name Home Depot ), then rates really are a concern meaningful enough to keep us uninterested. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

: having a meaning or purpose

meaningful work

2

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful experience

meaningfully

-fə-lē 

adverb