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

In this often-high-stakes game, an effective leader is equipped to listen to both parties and craft a compromise or mutually beneficial solution. —Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024

The Trump administration’s success, and the success of administrations that follow, will depend on crafting a strategy that offers genuine partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities—one that does not reduce the rest of the world to a playing field for countering China’s influence. —Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024

Leveraging that mood to reestablish ties and rekindle connections can create a foundation for lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. —Marlo Lyons, Harvard Business Review, 15 Nov. 2024

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