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.
The others simply don’t pay enough per audio minute to make the job worthwhile. Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025 So in terms of what is just and good, was globalism a worthwhile enterprise? Belinda Luscombe, Time, 13 Oct. 2025 Godfread, the Republican insurance commissioner of North Dakota, says that the debate over rising health costs is real and worthwhile, but there's urgency in this moment. NPR, 12 Oct. 2025 As young people and their parents absorb high educational fees, pursuing the path of entrepreneurship doesn’t seem to offer worthwhile rewards. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 12 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 15 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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