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

This raises an important question: is the stock still a worthwhile investment? —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

So pricier options that can be sharpened more effectively are a worthwhile long-term investment. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Don't hesitate to ask questions to ensure the experience is worthwhile. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025

When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the consensus was the team was making a worthwhile gamble — one that was applauded by several talent evaluators and analysts. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

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