worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

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

Compared with winter, people tended to have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and feeling that life was worthwhile in other seasons. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Offer Feedback to Your Agents Another area where Butler sees worthwhile applications for AI is in helping call center agents improve their own work. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

On Monday, Rubio told reporters in El Salvador that the agency would continue the programs deemed worthwhile and in the national interest, the New York Times reported. —Kirby Wilson, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2025

There’s a satisfying rhythm to these tasks, and the game makes even the most laborious chores feel worthwhile. —George Yang, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l 

-ˈwī(ə)l

1

: being worth the time or effort spent

worthwhile preparations

2

: worthy sense 1a