a worthwhile life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthwhile life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the value or significance of one's existence or experiences. Example: "Many people strive to lead a worthwhile life, filled with meaningful relationships and fulfilling experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It had not occurred to her that even quitting could be spun into a worthwhile life lesson.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's hard to see how the authority for defining a worthwhile life can fall to anyone except the individual whose life it is.

The Economist

Ideally, the families of radicals would be closely involved, helping to convince the detainee that a worthwhile life awaits him outside jail.

The Guardian

Work can be thankless or productive, a sacrifice or a reason to get out of bed in the morning, the cornerstone of a worthwhile life or a crucible of exploitation.

The New York Times

In The Pure Gold Baby, Drabble asks us to consider what it means to live a worthwhile life, to consider whether not knowing can sometimes be just as powerful as knowing.

The Guardian - Books

In "The Art of Living" (University of California, 1998), he argued that the philosophical quest for a worthwhile life does not involve the application of universal principles; each life is given shape in a particular and idiosyncratic manner.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

While in "Sabbath", originally published just two weeks before he passed away, a heart-wrenchingly honest account of his troubled relationship with his parents and the Jewish faith after he came out, he cogitates on "what is meant by living a good and worthwhile life – achieving a sense of peace within oneself".

Independent

I was, in fact, in the hospital when my essay on this, My Own Life, was published in this newspaper … And now, weak, short of breath, my once-firm muscles melted away by cancer, I find my thoughts, increasingly, not on the supernatural or spiritual, but on what is meant by living a good and worthwhile life – achieving a sense of peace within oneself".

The Guardian - Books

Carter takes solace in his faith, while Sacks, in a moving NY Times piece, said, "I find my thoughts, increasingly, not on the supernatural or spiritual, but on what is meant by living a good and worthwhile life -- achieving a sense of peace within oneself".

Huffington Post

If, on the other hand, one 'thickens' one's definition of rights with the idea that they are justifiable independently of what is a good and worthwhile life for human beings, then one plausibly argue against a common notion of rights.

SEP

But the effort to understand human nature is itself constitutive of what makes a good and worthwhile life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's legacy, emphasize specific actions and contributions to illustrate how they led "a worthwhile life".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on abstract terms when describing "a worthwhile life". Provide concrete examples and specific details to illustrate what makes a life valuable and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthwhile life" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "worthwhile" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "life". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worthwhile life" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an existence filled with purpose, value, and positive impact. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. While it carries a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings, its overuse of abstract language can be a pitfall. To avoid this, ensure that when you use the expression you follow it with clear, concrete examples, so it becomes very clear to the audience how someone leads or can lead a "a worthwhile life". Semantically related terms include "a meaningful existence", "a fulfilling life", and "a valuable life", each offering a slightly different nuance. Whether you're writing about personal achievements, ethical considerations, or societal impact, "a worthwhile life" serves as a powerful and versatile descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful existence

This alternative emphasizes the presence of purpose and significance in life.

a fulfilling life

This phrase highlights satisfaction and contentment derived from one's life experiences.

a valuable life

This alternative underscores the importance and worth of one's life.

a purposeful life

This phrase stresses the presence of clear goals and direction in life.

a life of value

This emphasizes the contribution and positive impact one's life has.

a rewarding life

This suggests a life filled with positive outcomes and gratification.

a significant life

This emphasizes the importance and impact of one's life on others.

a life well-lived

This alternative focuses on the quality and manner in which one's life is conducted.

a life of substance

This suggests a life filled with depth, richness, and meaningful experiences.

a gratifying existence

This highlights the feeling of satisfaction and pleasure derived from one's life.

FAQs

How can I use "a worthwhile life" in a sentence?

You can use "a worthwhile life" to describe a life filled with purpose, meaning, and positive impact. For example, "She dedicated her career to helping others, leading "a worthwhile life"."

What's the difference between "a worthwhile life" and "a meaningful life"?

While both phrases are similar, "a worthwhile life" often emphasizes the value and impact of one's actions, whereas "a meaningful life" focuses more on personal purpose and significance. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can depend on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "a worthwhile life"?

You can use alternatives like "a meaningful existence", "a fulfilling life", or "a valuable life" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to pursue a "worthwhile life" or a "successful life"?

The choice depends on your personal values. A "worthwhile life" emphasizes purpose and positive impact, while a "successful life" often focuses on achievements and external recognition. Ideally, one could pursue both, but defining what success and worth mean to you personally is key.