valuable

[val-yoo-uh-buhl, -yuh-buhl]

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

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

/ ˈvæljʊəbəl /

adjective

1. having considerable monetary worth

2. of considerable importance or quality

   a valuable friend

   valuable information

3. able to be valued

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of valuable¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

As ever, Steve Clarke was heroically deadpan, talking up his team's honesty and work-rate in securing a valuable World Cup qualification point against Denmark in Copenhagen, but only going so far.

From BBC

"Simply put, retaining and incentivising Elon is fundamental to Tesla achieving these goals and becoming the most valuable company in history."

From BBC

“I have never caught a ball more valuable than that.”

From Los Angeles Times

The “harm reduction” model followed at the tiny home village on the campus has been valuable in getting veterans off the street who are struggling with substance abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

The three entertainment industry leaders control much of the most valuable intellectual property in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beneficial 
• costly 
• expensive 
• helpful 
• important 
• invaluable 
• prized www.thesaurus.com
• profitable 
• relevant 
• scarce 
• treasured www.thesaurus.com
• useful 
• valued 
• worthwhile