beneficial
adjective
ben·e·fi·cial
ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl 
1
: producing good results or helpful effects : conferring benefits (see benefit entry 1 sense 1)
the beneficial effects of regular exercise
insects that are beneficial to your garden
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit
a beneficial owner of securities
a beneficial interest in an estate
beneficialness
noun
Examples of beneficial in a Sentence
He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to many people.
Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects.
They have a relationship that is beneficial to both of them.
Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet in the 12 games since his return, despite initial rustiness, Flagg has enhanced his diverse talents, a clear indication Kidd’s early-season decision to play him at point guard was a beneficial litmus test.
—
Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
While all physical activity is beneficial, strength training has particular perks.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 27 Mar. 2026
Caglianone really struggled in the majors last season, but time away should be beneficial for mind and body alike.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Stenclik’s staff does its tunes by hand, which is beneficial to the thinner, lighter backcountry ski with less material to grind off.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
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Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
While all physical activity is beneficial, strength training has particular perks.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 27 Mar. 2026
Caglianone really struggled in the majors last season, but time away should be beneficial for mind and body alike.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Stenclik’s staff does its tunes by hand, which is beneficial to the thinner, lighter backcountry ski with less material to grind off.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beneficial
Cite this Entry
“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beneficial
adjective
ben·e·fi·cial
ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
beneficialness
noun
Legal Definition
beneficial
adjective
ben·e·fi·cial
ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl
1
: providing benefits or advantages
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use
a beneficial shareholder
a beneficial estate
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