purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator

there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth

Recent Examples on the Web

Clarity in alignment keeps communications purposeful and results-driven. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Keep focused on your purpose and the things that come with serving and being purposeful. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

United were purposeful and tenacious from the start and cruised to an early lead courtesy of a splendid solo goal from Bizet in the sixth minute. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Like the vehicle’s scoops and spoilers, the dihedral doors don’t simply look dramatic but are purposeful in design, in this case aiding access by incorporating sections of the roof and sill. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1