valuable

American  

[val-yoo-uh-buhl, -yuh-buhl] / ˈvæl yu ə bəl, -yə bəl /

adjective

1. having considerable monetary worth; costing or bringing a high price.

   a valuable painting; a valuable crop.

   Antonyms:

   worthless

2. having qualities worthy of respect, admiration, or esteem.

   a valuable friend.

   Antonyms:

   worthless

3. of considerable use, service, or importance.

   valuable information.

   Antonyms:

   worthless

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noun

1. Usually valuables. articles of considerable value, as of personal property, especially those of relatively small size.

   They locked their valuables in the hotel safe.

valuable British  

/ ˈvæljʊəbəl /

adjective

1. having considerable monetary worth

2. of considerable importance or quality

   a valuable friend

   valuable information

3. able to be valued

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noun

1. (usually plural) a valuable article of personal property, esp jewellery

Related Words

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

• nonvaluable adjective
• overvaluable adjective
• overvaluableness noun
• overvaluably adverb
• unvaluable adjective
• unvaluably adverb
• valuableness noun
• valuably adverb

Etymology

Origin of valuable

First recorded in 1580–90; value (verb) + -able

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.

Example Sentences

The level of detail can be creepy, sure, but it’s also what makes the chatbot valuable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Crosbie, the trainee GP, has gained a valuable insight into the condition through her own experiences.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

When airlines are facing a potential financial squeeze, such as the one caused by the recent increase in oil prices, that add-on revenue can be all the more valuable, experts say.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

But buying stock can drive up prices, making the options more valuable, creating the need to buy more stock to hedge, and creating a “gamma squeeze.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

A less-detailed map would still be a valuable contribution, allowing other explorers to follow in their footsteps and fill in the details.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• beneficial
• costly
• expensive
• helpful
• important
• invaluable
• prized
• profitable
• relevant
• scarce
• treasured
• useful
• valued
• worthwhile