worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The extra cost is worthwhile if the shipment is successful. Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 This may take a village, but most worthwhile things do. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024 But the camera's retreat is worthwhile for the award-winning shot, through an open-riser staircase and a thick-glass rail, of Joan reeling next to a Gucci bag display. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Accessibility is a worthwhile investment at an extremely affordable cost. Dekel Skoop, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for worthwhile 

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of worthwhile was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near worthwhile

Cite this Entry

“Worthwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthwhile. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective
worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
-ˈwī(ə)l
1
: being worth the time or effort spent
worthwhile preparations
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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