worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "having a good outcome or result". You can use it when you want to describe activities, objectives, investments, or decisions that are deemed to be worthwhile or worth the effort or cost. For example, "The decision to donate to charity was a worthwhile cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Listing declares that malls can be worthwhile pieces of public architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

Rather than always being news headlines however, the content itself would vary over the day depending on context and history to ensure the reader always gets something fresh and worthwhile.

The Guardian

The question is: will the long list of other exceptions that already include GM food and hormone-fed beef dilute the deal to make it less worthwhile?

The Guardian - Business

In the Time magazine op-ed leading up to Thursday's episode, Oz defended his stance on GMO labeling, noting that some topics can be controversial but worthwhile.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is an important time to be a manager, to loudly declare why our subjects are worthwhile, why our colleagues are superb at what they do, and why students will always benefit from being with us.

The Guardian

"I don't see how anyone couldn't see that it wasn't an absolutely worthwhile, honourable cause," he said.

The Guardian

For your local taxpayer-subsidised theatre, low-tech high-return junk such as standup comedy, discredited TV psychics and Abba tribute acts float more worthwhile artists with identifiable skills – dancers, actors, puppeteers and ex-members of the Stranglers doing acoustic tours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, he has secured worthwhile tweaks for the very worst-off, but the big picture is that moderate earners will be stung to the tune of 9p in the pound on income tax, while the wealthiest graduates will be free to clear their debts rapidly.

The Guardian - Opinion

And repeatedly, it is the more creative attempts to do this that appear to work and to be the most worthwhile".

The Guardian - Tech

Therefore fares are likely to be high, deterring the kind of intensive use that makes the construction of high speed lines worthwhile.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unless you're spending money on things Forrest and the government thinks are worthwhile, you're not getting, to quote the report, "the full benefit from the welfare provided by government".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worthwhile" to describe activities, projects, or investments that provide significant benefits relative to the effort or cost involved. For example: "Investing in renewable energy is a worthwhile endeavor."

Common error

Avoid using "worthwhile" in overly simple or obvious situations where the benefit is self-evident. Opt for stronger or more descriptive adjectives to convey nuanced value.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "worthwhile" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is considered to be of sufficient value or importance to justify the time, effort, or money spent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worthwhile" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe something that is considered valuable or beneficial in relation to the effort or cost involved. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and general discussions. When writing, using synonyms like "valuable" or "rewarding" can add nuance, but ensure to avoid overuse in simple contexts where the benefit is self-evident. The frequency and diverse application underscore its utility in expressing the significance of various endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable

Indicates a high degree of worth or importance.

rewarding

Suggests that an activity or experience provides satisfaction or a positive return.

beneficial

Emphasizes the advantages or positive effects derived from something.

fruitful

Highlights the productive or successful nature of an endeavor.

productive

Focuses on the efficiency and output of a particular activity.

useful

Highlights the practical application or helpfulness of something.

profitable

Emphasizes the financial gain or positive monetary outcome.

advantageous

Indicates that something provides a competitive edge or a favorable position.

gainful

Suggests that an activity or occupation is a source of income or profit.

constructive

Emphasizes the positive contribution or improvement resulting from something.

FAQs

How to use "worthwhile" in a sentence?

You can use "worthwhile" to describe something that is considered to be important, useful, or enjoyable relative to what you invest. For example: "Volunteering at the local shelter is a "worthwhile" experience."

What can I say instead of "worthwhile"?

You can use alternatives like "valuable", "rewarding", or "beneficial" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "worthwhile" or "worth while"?

"Worthwhile" is the correct spelling as one word. "Worth while" as two words is less common and generally not preferred.

What makes something "worthwhile"?

Something is "worthwhile" if the benefits gained from it are greater than the resources spent. It's a subjective assessment depending on the context and individual values.