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.
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 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 28 Aug. 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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