worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
1
: being worth the time or effort spent
worthwhile preparations
2
: worthy sense 1
a worthwhile cause
worthwhileness noun

Examples of worthwhile in a Sentence

The money is for a worthwhile cause. Seeing my children's joy made building the tree house all worthwhile. Is it worthwhile to try to fix my computer?
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.
Battaglia said the numerous interactions police had with Lauren Spors before her mother’s death are worthwhile for local departments to analyze. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025 General manager Onsi Saleh added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard to a talented roster in hopes to not only get back to the playoffs, but make a worthwhile run this summer. Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Balancing her creativity with the responsibilities of her day-to-day life has been a challenge, but a worthwhile one for grace shinhae jun (who uses lowercase lettering in the spelling of her name). Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025 Thundering Brook Falls Trail in Killington is a short but worthwhile hike. Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worthwhile

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of worthwhile was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

“Worthwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthwhile. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective
worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
-ˈwī(ə)l
1
: being worth the time or effort spent
worthwhile preparations
2

More from Merriam-Webster on worthwhile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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