worthwhile

[ wurth-hwahyl, -wahyl ]

adjective

1. such as to repay one's time, attention, interest, work, trouble, etc.:

   a worthwhile book.

   Synonyms: beneficial, rewarding, valuable

worthwhile

/ ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl /

adjective

1. sufficiently important, rewarding, or valuable to justify time or effort spent

Other Words From

• worthwhileness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of worthwhile¹

First recorded in 1865–70; worth ¹ + while

Example Sentences

The main event did little to convince those in the boxing world that it was a worthwhile venture.

From BBC

“They’re saying, ‘We don’t expect you to end the season in profit, just serve the community and make sure they feel like their tax dollars have gone to something worthwhile,’” Alexander said.

From Los Angeles Times

An unrelenting second-half display, during which the clinical Parkhead side added a further three goals, proves the manager's ruthless demands were worthwhile as they delivered an ominous message to their overwhelmed opposition.

From BBC

If we can help someone suffering a catastrophic bleed and stop another family going through what we have experienced makes it so worthwhile.

From BBC

Seeing kids discuss school safety and other issues with such thoughtfulness is a reminder that it’s worthwhile for adults to listen to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advantageous
• beneficial
• constructive
• excellent
• good
• important
• invaluable
• justifiable
• lucrative
• productive
• profitable
• rewarding
• useful
• valuable
• worthy