Worthwhile – Meaning and Examples
We constantly evaluate whether our time, money, and effort will bring valuable results. In English, we describe these valuable activities as worthwhile. This practical adjective helps us talk about what’s truly valuable in daily decisions.
What Does “Worthwhile” Mean?
“Worthwhile” means worth the time, money, or effort spent; valuable or important enough to justify what is required. Think of it like investing time in learning a skill that will help your career—the benefit makes the effort valuable. It describes activities, investments, or efforts that provide good value.
When to Use It
Use this adjective when discussing activities that provide good value for your time. Use it when evaluating whether an effort will bring meaningful results. Use it when giving advice about valuable investments of time or money. It is a positive, practical word for everyday decisions.
Example Sentences
- Learning a second language is definitely worthwhile for career advancement.
- The long drive was worthwhile when we saw the beautiful sunset.
- It’s worthwhile to read the instructions carefully before assembling furniture.
- Volunteering at the animal shelter has been a worthwhile experience.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “I’m thinking about taking that professional certification course, but it’s expensive and requires six months of study.”
David: “It’s definitely worthwhile—graduates from that program typically double their salary.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this adjective describes the value of activities or efforts. Don’t use it to describe physical objects or people directly.
❌ Don’t say: “This diamond ring is very worthwhile.” (Use “valuable” or “expensive” instead).
✅ Do say: “The time spent researching before buying a house is worthwhile.”
Practice Tip
Think of one activity you’ve done recently that required effort but provided good value. Create a sentence like “The [activity] was worthwhile because [benefit].” For example, “The time I spent organizing my files was worthwhile because now I can find everything quickly.”
Final Note
You now know how to use “worthwhile” to describe valuable activities, efforts, and investments. This practical adjective will help you make better decisions about how you spend your time and resources. Use it to talk about what truly brings value and meaning to your life!