worthwhile

adjective

worth·​while ˈwərth-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce worthwhile (audio)
Synonyms of worthwhilenext
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.
Best Gear Deals From sleeping comfortably under the stars to enjoying a hot cup of coffee at sunrise, the right gear can elevate any camping trip, and REI’s sale is packed with worthwhile upgrades. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026 One of the original Vegas homicide detectives described the impossibility of getting any worthwhile information from Knight circa ’96. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 The trip was worthwhile, but things were tense when Nelson led 6-0 through one period. — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 An ill-fitting board role, despite its potential, may not be worthwhile given the substantial investment required. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for worthwhile

See All Rhymes for worthwhile

Browse Nearby Words

worth someone's while
worthwhile
worthy
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Cite this Entry

“Worthwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthwhile. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
: worthy sense 1a

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