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

• advantageous
• benefic
• beneficent
• benignant
• favorable
• friendly
• good
• helpful
• kindly
• profitable
• salutary

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

This proactive approach not only reduces risks but also lays a strong basis for an open, mutually beneficial relationship that minimizes complexity and maximizes long-term value. —Appio Fragoletti, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Some research finds that washing up with soap and contaminated water is beneficial too. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025

The same can be said for the movie as a whole, which blends Shelton’s talent for literate, witty character comedy with the conventions of the Joel Silver-era buddy flick in mutually beneficial ways. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2025

There are plenty for whom a change could potentially be beneficial. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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