beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl 

1

: producing good results or helpful effects : conferring benefits (see benefit entry 1 sense 1)

the beneficial effects of regular exercise

insects that are beneficial to your garden

2

: receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit

a beneficial owner of securities

a beneficial interest in an estate

beneficially

ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

beneficialness noun

Synonyms of beneficial

• favorable
• helpful
• good
• profitable

Examples of beneficial in a Sentence

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to many people.

Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects.

They have a relationship that is beneficial to both of them.

Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.

Recent Examples on the Web

Consuming whole wheat has a beneficial effect on the gut. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 28 Dec. 2025

Some early studies also suggest forming emotional connections with AI chatbots can be beneficial in certain cases, as long as people do not over-use them or become emotionally dependent on them. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025

Generally Septic-Safe Types of Toilet Papers Standard toilet paper products that are generally beneficial for the septic system include recycled toilet paper, biodegradable toilet paper, tree-free toilet paper, single-ply toilet paper, and soft two-ply toilet paper. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025

As a result, being more structured in your life will result in a chain of beneficial events, like an expansion of your home on June 30th, when Jupiter enters Leo. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for beneficial

• artificial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• superficial
• unofficial
• extrajudicial
• semiofficial
• initial

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl 

: producing results that are good for health and happiness

beneficially

-ˈfish-ə-lē 

adverb

beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl 

1

: providing benefits or advantages

2

: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use

a beneficial shareholder

a beneficial estate

beneficially

-shə-lē 

adverb