worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

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

The proposal, while opposed by the Boston Chamber of Commerce, is a worthwhile step toward improving the quality of security and safety. — Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

The poem is about how our most worthwhile pursuits—things like art, love, and beauty—often seem to demand a measure of toil. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026

There isn’t a specific benchmark for CDT to determine if the new product was worthwhile. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Research from Accor found that one face‑to‑face meeting delivered the impact of roughly three virtual meetings, while 35% explicitly said the extra time and travel costs were worthwhile because of the business value created. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for worthwhile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l 

-ˈwī(ə)l

1

: being worth the time or effort spent

worthwhile preparations

2

: worthy sense 1a