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

Travel insurance can be a worthwhile investment for trips outside your home country. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 14 July 2026

These men knew some simple and worthwhile truths, like where to eat, what to drink, and how to welcome a stranger. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

This learned hopefulness is because in romance novels, goals are readily attainable, multiple pathways to happiness can exist and perseverance is worthwhile. — Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Being able to use PocketGuard's many features and get access to upgrades for one payment would make this app especially worthwhile. — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 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