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.
Fungicides, for instance, are used to suppress disease-causing pathogens like blights and leaf spots, but might also impact beneficial microbes that live in flowers. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026 Pew research found that Americans are far more likely to view data centers as harmful than beneficial in terms of environmental impact, domestic energy costs, and quality of life in nearby communities. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 Eating avocado can also be beneficial for people living with obesity or insulin resistance, as studies show that regular avocado consumption can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026 The partnership is also proving beneficial for the museum's outreach efforts, as the interns help translate historical milestones for a younger audience. La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 28 Apr. 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 3 May. 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

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