Word
meaningful
Phoneticsmean·ing·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈminɪŋfəɫ/
UK/mˈiːnɪŋfəl/
Definitions
01important or useful
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a clear purpose or importance that makes it worth doing.
adj. having a serious, important, or useful quality or purpose.
“She wanted to find a meaningful job where she could really help people.”
“The charity provides meaningful support to refugees, focusing on long-term integration rather than just immediate emergency aid.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02showing deep feeling
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. showing a lot of emotion or a secret message without using many words.
adj. communicating a significant message or emotion, often through non-verbal cues or subtext.
“They shared a meaningful look across the room, even though they didn't speak.”
“After the announcement, there was a meaningful silence in the hall as the board members waited for the director to justify the decision.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “meaningful” in context.
Adjective
01. meaningful challenge
“Volunteering at the shelter provided a meaningful challenge that helped him grow personally.”
adj + noun
02. meaningful comparison
“To make a meaningful comparison, we need to look at data from the same time period.”
adj + noun
03. meaningful way
04. constructive meaningful
Real-World Examples
“Many workers in developing countries are engaged in informal or unstable work, which often denies them meaningful social protections.” “Because this waste-removal system becomes increasingly important as we get older, exercise could play a meaningful role in protecting against cognitive decline.” “In a 12-week study, adults who ate three servings a day showed no meaningful increases in weight, body fat, cholesterol, or insulin resistance.” “At its best, it is not simply about meeting needs but about creating the conditions for people to live full and meaningful lives.” Etymology
From meaning + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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