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Worthwhile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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worthwhile

[ˈwɜːrθˈwaɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

making an effort

Worthwhile means worth the time, effort, or money spent. Something worthwhile is considered valuable or important.

Synonyms

beneficial, important, valuable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worthwhile

It's used when something is worth the time, money, or effort spent on it.

  • Making new friends can be really worthwhile
  • The project was worthwhile despite the many challenges
valuable

Describes something that is of great worth, either in terms of money, usefulness, or personal meaning.

  • This diamond ring is very valuable
  • Her advice turned out to be extremely valuable
important

Used to indicate something that has significance, value, or necessity.

  • It's important to stay hydrated
  • Education is important for a successful career
beneficial

Describes something that produces good or helpful results, or improves something.

  • Regular exercise is beneficial for your health
  • Helping others can be beneficial to your mental well-being

Examples of usage

  • It was a long and difficult project, but in the end, it was worthwhile.
  • Volunteering at the shelter is a worthwhile way to spend your time.
  • She decided that pursuing her dream was a worthwhile goal.
Context #2 | Adjective

rewarding

Worthwhile can also describe something that brings satisfaction or fulfillment. It implies that the result is worth the effort put into it.

Synonyms

fulfilling, rewarding, satisfying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worthwhile

Appropriate when talking about an activity or effort that is worth the time, energy, or resources spent. It generally has a positive connotation but focuses more on the value returned for the effort.

  • Teaching children is a worthwhile endeavor
  • It's worthwhile to invest time in learning a new language
fulfilling

Used when an activity or experience leads to a sense of personal achievement or happiness. There is an emotional satisfaction and often a deeper personal connection.

  • Volunteering at the local shelter has been a fulfilling experience
  • A career in medicine can be extremely fulfilling
satisfying

Relates to a sense of contentment and pleasure derived from completing a task or achieving a goal. It indicates a state of being pleased with the outcome.

  • Cooking a meal for my family is satisfying
  • Solving a complex problem can be very satisfying
rewarding

Talks about an activity or situation that provides a sense of personal reward. This can be mental, emotional, or sometimes even financial. It stresses the benefit gained from the experience.

  • Working as a nurse is very rewarding
  • Completing the marathon was a rewarding accomplishment

Examples of usage

  • Teaching children can be a challenging job, but it is very worthwhile.
  • Traveling to new places is always a worthwhile experience.
  • Learning a new skill is a worthwhile endeavor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers argue that to live a meaningful life, one must seek experiences that are worthwhile.
  • Existentialists often emphasize personal choice in deciding what is worthwhile, reflecting individual values and goals.
  • The concept connects to utilitarianism, which assesses actions based on their usefulness and value to overall happiness.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that engaging in worthwhile activities can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction.
  • Volunteering is often seen as a worthwhile pursuit, contributing to better psychological well-being and social connectivity.
  • Achieving goals that one perceives as worthwhile can significantly boost self-esteem and motivation.

Culture

  • Art, literature, and media often portray the journey to find what is truly worthwhile in life, resonating with audiences.
  • Cultural narratives frequently highlight the sacrifices made for worthwhile causes, illustrating values in societies worldwide.
  • Global movements for social change emphasize the importance of committing to actions that are seen as worthwhile for future generations.

Business

  • In the corporate world, investing time and resources in projects deemed worthwhile can lead to greater success.
  • Companies often evaluate whether initiatives are worthwhile by analyzing potential returns against costs involved.
  • Many businesses adopt social responsibility initiatives because they believe these actions are worthwhile for community and brand reputation.

Origin of 'worthwhile'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from combining 'worth' (value) and 'while' (a period of time), suggesting it's worth the time spent.
  • 'Worthwhile' started being used in the late 19th century, showing how language evolves to express value.
  • Related words include 'worth' and 'while', both originating from Old English, meaning they have a long history.

The word 'worthwhile' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'worth' and 'while'. It has evolved to represent the concept of something being valuable, important, or rewarding. Over time, the term has become widely used in various contexts to describe activities, endeavors, or experiences that are considered worth the investment of time, effort, or resources.

See also: unworthily, unworthy, worth, worthiness, worthless, worthlessness, worthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,305 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.