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Definition of worthwhile

worthwhile

/ˌwɝːθˈwaɪl/
worth · while
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worthwhile Lexical Profile

worthwhile Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Worth the time, money, or effort spent; of sufficient value, importance, or usefulness to justify the investment required.

Example

"Volunteering at the community clinic proved to be a deeply worthwhile experience for the medical students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for worthwhile
Antonyms
View all antonyms for worthwhile

Word Nuance & Usage

Write 'worthwhile' as a single closed word when used as a standard adjective (e.g., 'a worthwhile project' or 'the trip was worthwhile'), but as two separate words when 'while' is preceded by a possessive determiner or article (e.g., 'it is worth your while' or 'worth the while').

• Rhymes for worthwhile

• Nearby Words

worthless
worthlessly
worthlessness
worthwhile
worthwhileness
worthy
would

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a solid compound from the earlier phrase 'worth the while' (recorded since the late 16th century), where 'while' carries its original Old English sense of an amount of time or effort spent.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Worthwhile. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/worthwhile
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