beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
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 Eating fish may be beneficial for humans, but what about pets? Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Recent studies have shown that even higher intakes (from either food or supplements) of 950 milligrams per day may be beneficial. Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 These prebiotics are a type of fiber that the body cannot digest but are beneficial to the probiotics (good bacteria) in our gut. Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024 This can be especially beneficial for small business owners or those with limited accounting departments who require additional support in managing their taxes effectively. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 And having a filmmaker like that on your team is so beneficial to having a project just flow. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Educational Requirements: While there are no specific educational prerequisites to become an EA, a strong foundation in tax law and accounting principles is highly beneficial. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 The guidance of a mental health professional could be highly beneficial in such cases. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 By embodying these qualities and understanding the core fundamentals of brand expectations, athletes and creators can unlock the full potential of sponsorship opportunities and forge mutually beneficial relationships with brands across the globe. King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beneficial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near beneficial

Cite this Entry

“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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