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worthwhile

B1
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /wˈɜːθwaɪl/

US

  • /ˈwɜrθˈwaɪl/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. worth the time, effort, or attention because it is useful, important, or enjoyable

Beyond the definition

Something worthwhile is worth your time and effort. It leads to something good, useful, or satisfying. A challenging hike with a beautiful view at the top? Definitely worthwhile. Spending an afternoon helping others? Absolutely worthwhile. If something isn't worthwhile, it can feel like a waste of time or energy. You might say a boring meeting wasn't "worthwhile," meaning it did not lead to anything useful.

The word is connected to "worth," the idea of having value. Think of it like an investment: if the result is good, the effort was worthwhile. A truly worthwhile experience often stays with you after it ends, leaving you feeling glad you did it.

Examples

  1. 1

    Training

    The extra training took time, but it was worthwhile in the end.

  2. 2

    Decision making

    It might be worthwhile to wait a few days before making a decision.

  3. 3

    Career change

    The course is a worthwhile investment if you want to change careers.

  4. 4

    Language learning

    Extra speaking practice is especially worthwhile for beginners.

More examples
  1. 5

    Travel incentive

    They offered free parking to make the trip worthwhile.

    • Patternmake X worthwhile

      give X enough value to justify the time, cost, or effort

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • worthwhile investment
  • worthwhile cause
  • make it worthwhile

Word family

Explore

  • cost-benefit analysis
  • value judgment

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • worthwhileadjective