beneficial

American  

[ben-uh-fish-uhl] / ˌbɛn əˈfɪʃ əl /

adjective

1. conferring benefit; advantageous; helpful.

   the beneficial effect of sunshine.

   Synonyms:

   profitable, favorable, useful, serviceable, wholesome, salutary

   Antonyms:

   harmful

2. Law.

   1. helpful in the meeting of needs.

      a beneficial association.

   2. involving the personal enjoyment of proceeds.

      a beneficial owner.

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beneficial British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl /

adjective

1. (sometimes foll by to) causing a good result; advantageous

2. law entitling a person to receive the profits or proceeds of property

   a beneficial interest in land

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Other Word Forms

• beneficially
  adverb
• beneficialness
  noun
• nonbeneficial
  adjective
• nonbeneficially
  adverb
• nonbeneficialness
  noun
• quasi-beneficial
  adjective
• quasi-beneficially
  adverb
• unbeneficial
  adjective
• unbeneficially
  adverb
• unbeneficialness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of beneficial

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin beneficiālis, equivalent to Latin benefici(um) “kindness” ( see benefice ( def. )) + -ālis -al ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

If it's beneficial, then it's good for you — or for something. Studying is beneficial to your grades. Exercise is beneficial to your health. Spend any time with Italians and you will hear the word bene over and over. It comes straight from Latin, and Italians use it as often as we use "good;" it can mean "fine," "okay," "yummy," or "kind and well behaved." Bene gives us beneficial, but also benefit, beneficent, benevolent and more well-meaning words.

Example Sentences

Having another one getting close in size to that would be beneficial.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Martinez said he would provide oversight agencies only the information he is legally required to provide, but doesn’t believe an adversarial relationship between the Civilian Oversight Commission and the department is beneficial to either side.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

They also note that if aerobic exercise is not suitable due to individual limitations, "alternative forms of structured physical activity may still be beneficial."

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

“And then there are unmarried people with social support systems that will replace whatever beneficial effect marriage might be bringing to you.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

"Don't forget these. They're popular now. The Minister of Health says we all should ingest colorful vegetables and even flowers. It's beneficial, supposedly."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• benign
• constructive
• favorable
• good
• helpful
• profitable
• useful
• valuable