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

For those with multiple debts, this may also be the point where exploring professional debt relief assistance becomes worthwhile. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Even so, many feel that the quality and affordability of care make these challenges worthwhile. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026

Premiering in the Special Screenings section at Cannes, the actor’s latest directorial effort offers worthwhile performances, but little else. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 May 2026

But working to mobilize that part of the electorate could be a worthwhile strategy, said Kim Nalder, director of the Project for an Informed Electorate at California State University, Sacramento. —ABC News, 14 May 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