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 2024 second-round pick cut well through defenders and displayed worthwhile receiving ability in spurts during padded practices. — Mike Kaye july 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Skin cancer is less common among people of color, but UV exposure still triggers premature aging and dark spots across every skin tone, which makes daily sunscreen worthwhile for everyone. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

The answer, as is so frequently the case, is said to come down to money, as BMW doesn’t believe there is enough room in the luxury off-roader segment to make the investment in a completely new vehicle worthwhile. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

The middle ground can be a worthwhile frontier, as evinced by the mellow, incense-scented soft rock of an album like Clairo’s Charm, and the Sullivans explore that same blissful, lived-in palette. — W. Reed Putnam, Pitchfork, 30 July 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