# worthwhile

/ˈwɝθˈwaɪɫ/ (US) · /wˈɜːθwaɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/worthwhile
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

useful, important, or good enough to be a good use of your time, money, or effort.

For teachers: sufficiently valuable, important, or rewarding to justify the time or effort spent. Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun.

## Examples

- The long hike was difficult, but the view made it worthwhile.
- Volunteering at the local shelter is a worthwhile way to spend your weekends and help the community.
- While the initial investment is substantial, the long-term environmental benefits make the transition to solar energy a worthwhile endeavour for most homeowners.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a worth while project" but "a worthwhile project" — Learners often mistakenly split the word into two parts; it is a single compound adjective.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows 'it is' or 'it's' as a dummy subject (e.g., 'It is worthwhile to check').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.