Valuable vs. worthwhile: what’s the difference?
The short answer
The word valuable often refers to something that has a high value, which can be monetary or intrinsic, and is generally used to describe objects, resources, or concepts. Worthwhile, on the other hand, is more often used to describe actions, activities, or endeavors that are deemed to be worth the time, effort, or risk because of the benefits they provide, even if those benefits are not immediately tangible.
What they have in common
Both valuable and worthwhile are adjectives used to describe something that is considered to have significance, importance, or benefit. They can both be used to express the idea that something is worth having or pursuing due to its benefits or importance.
Examples
valuable
- The painting was appraised as highly valuable.
- Her advice proved to be extremely valuable during the crisis.
- The necklace was made of valuable gemstones.
worthwhile
- The meeting was long, but it was worthwhile because we made significant progress.
- It’s worthwhile to invest in education for your future.
- Volunteering can be a worthwhile experience for personal growth.
Which one is more common?
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