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

Making an approach might be worthwhile, before Real Madrid possibly gets its house in order then returns to City and Rodri’s camp with improved terms. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

During that meeting, parties discussed whether a feasibility study would be worthwhile. — Sofi Zeman august 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Returning to it in high school has been a worthwhile experience for her — not just because of all the winning. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Sunderland’s big and worthwhile post-promotion outlay last season has reduced their scope in this one. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 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