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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overall, many in the industry view the experiment as a worthwhile endeavor, especially given the soaring prices for free-agent starting pitchers. Will Sammon, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024 Trent is every bit the dingus Cole described him as, but still makes two modestly worthwhile contributions to the entire affair. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024 While Guerilla Games and Studio Gobo’s collaboration with The Lego Group was met with a mixed response from critics, the game offers a fun and worthwhile experience, especially for those who play alongside younger gamers, or young gamers adventuring on their own. Richard Newby, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024 Yet, the returns—measured through talent measurement metrics, high retention, and a resilient, engaged team—make the effort worthwhile. John Abusaid, Forbes, 4 Dec. 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 15 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!