Rewarding: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe an experience or activity that provides personal satisfaction and benefit, often after considerable effort or time.

• Teaching children can be incredibly rewarding.
• Volunteering at the animal shelter has been a rewarding experience.

Used to express a sense of happiness and satisfaction, often when receiving recognition or seeing the positive outcome of one's efforts.

• It was gratifying to see the project succeed.
• The praise from her boss was very gratifying.

Often used when discussing experiences or activities that make someone feel complete and happy, often aligned with personal goals or values.

• Running a marathon was a fulfilling achievement for her.
• His job in social work is very fulfilling.

Describes something that meets expectations or desires, providing a sense of contentment and completeness.

• Closing the deal was deeply satisfying.
• Cooking a perfect meal can be very satisfying.

Generally refers to something that is pleasant or enjoyable to the senses, often used in a more superficial or immediate context.

• The concert was very pleasing to the ear.
• She found the decor of the room pleasing.

Used to describe an activity, job, or experience that is satisfying and brings a feeling of fulfillment.

• Teaching can be a very rewarding profession.
• Volunteering at the shelter was a rewarding experience.

Typically used in situations where someone is given money or something else to make up for a loss, injury, or inconvenience.

• The company will compensate you for any travel expenses.
• He was compensated for the extra hours he worked.

Used in more formal or literary contexts to refer to making amends to someone for loss or harm suffered. It can have a mildly negative connotation implying obligation.

• They sought recompense for the damages caused by the storm.
• The landlord offered to recompense us for the inconvenience.

Used in formal contexts to describe paying someone for services they provided or work they completed.

• The employees were well remunerated for their hard work.
• Freelancers expect to be fairly remunerated for their projects.

Used in situations where something is given as an award to the winner of a competition or contest.

• She won the first prize in the art competition.
• The science fair had many exciting prizes.