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

For 2025, the IRS made meaningful inflation adjustments to the federal tax brackets and the standard deduction, determining how much income is ultimately taxed. —Emma Waldman, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Josh Giddey hit White in the corner, and Edwards didn’t deliver a meaningful contest as White buried a triple to pull Chicago within one. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026

But the impact won’t be meaningful unless the accuracy of the models improves. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026

October 23 – November 21 Your current purpose could be becoming more meaningful. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 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