beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
Synonyms of beneficialnext
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
beneficially adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This could eventually lead to new types of foods that combine appealing taste and beneficial physiological effects. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026 The pair of them has a lot in common beyond Callie, including a general sense of wisdom beyond their years that has not always been beneficial to them. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026 Open crochet and lightweight knits are also beneficial, but opt for cotton or wool, as both are more breathable and naturally temperature-regulating, unlike synthetic yarns. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 12 Feb. 2026 Doctors said the medications are beneficial not only for weight loss but also for cardiovascular health. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beneficial

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficial was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
beneficially adverb
beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
1
: providing benefits or advantages
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use
a beneficial shareholder
a beneficial estate
beneficially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on beneficial

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