advantageous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of advantageous
First recorded in 1590–1600; advantage + -ous; compare French avantageux, Italian avantaggioso
Explanation
The adjective advantageous is useful for talking about things that are beneficial, or helpful, like when you find an advantageous spot to hang your yard sale sign — a spot where all the passing cars can see it. Anything that creates an advantage is advantageous. You could describe your decision to throw a huge party as advantageous for your social life, or the cooking class you took as advantageous to the success of your catering business. If it helps you get what you want, or is generally useful, it's advantageous. The root is the Old French word avantage, which means "advantage, profit, or superiority." Anything that assists in your pursuit of these things is advantageous to you.
Vocabulary lists containing advantageous
Evolutionary Biology - Adaptation
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List 7
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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 10
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I don’t mandate it. With Justin, I really just showed him where I thought it would be advantageous, and he didn’t blink for a second and was excited to attack it.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026
Depending on your ages and financial needs, you may find that it is advantageous for one spouse to claim benefits earlier while the other delays filing in order to maximize future monthly income.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
Russia for its part has sold Syria wheat and oil, likely at advantageous rates, offering a lifeline to a Syrian economy that is still struggling after years of sanctions and war.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
“We well sell Bitcoin when it is advantageous to do so,” Le said.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
Others, the Quackenbushes of this world, could calmly watch the war approach them and jump into it at the last and most advantageous instant, as though buying into the stock market.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
