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

Councilmember Carlyn Obringer said the importance of the project makes the concessions worthwhile. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

This designation will provide a new window into the robotics business, letting both potential customers and interested investors peek under the hood at whether the investment is worthwhile. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Plus, they can be worn year-round, making this glossy leather pair a worthwhile investment. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 June 2026

The questions below cover what that Turkish price actually buys and why some people decide the long trip across the Atlantic is worthwhile. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 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