valuable
Americanadjective
-
having considerable monetary worth; costing or bringing a high price.
a valuable painting; a valuable crop.
- Antonyms:
- worthless
-
having qualities worthy of respect, admiration, or esteem.
a valuable friend.
- Antonyms:
- worthless
-
of considerable use, service, or importance.
valuable information.
- Antonyms:
- worthless
noun
adjective
-
having considerable monetary worth
-
of considerable importance or quality
a valuable friend
valuable information
-
able to be valued
noun
Synonym Usage
Valuable, precious refer to that which has monetary or other value. Valuable applies to whatever has value, but especially to what has considerable monetary value or special usefulness, rarity, etc.: a valuable watch. That which is precious has a very high intrinsic value or is very dear for its own sake, associations, or the like: a precious jewel, friendship.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of valuable
Explanation
Something that has worth is valuable. Often, valuable things are worth money, but a spy can provide valuable information that might save lives. When you use this word as a noun — "Were any valuables taken during the robbery?" — you usually are referring to things that are worth money: jewelry, electronics, etc. As an adjective, the word covers more territory. A person can be a valuable addition to a team if she helps it win. The most valuable things in life have nothing to do with money: friends, family, good health. If it is something we want, need, or respect, then it is valuable.
Vocabulary lists containing valuable
List 6
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Cover Letter Language
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for March 6–12, 2021
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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.
And if Norway do get their foot on the ball, attacking big spaces quickly when they turn the ball over is a valuable form of attack.
From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026
Growing AI use is making the essays less valuable for colleges.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026
That could have been Trout’s spot this summer: a worthy honor for a three-time most valuable player, a local hero feted on the national stage the Angels have failed to provide him.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026
Bankruptcy can come with serious repercussions for your credit that can last years after you file, and it could force you to part ways with valuable assets.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 10, 2026
What was the border patrol guarding that was so valuable?
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
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.
