SKIP TO CONTENT

purposeful

/ˈpʌrpəsfəl/
/ˈpʌpɪsfəl/
IPA guide

Something purposeful is done on purpose: it's meant to achieve an aim.

Lots of things happen accidentally or randomly, but other things have a purpose. Such things can be called purposeful. Going to college, starting a family, giving to a charity, and adopting a dog are all purposeful acts. People have a reason for doing them, and they want to accomplish something specific. Purposeful things are thought-out and intentional.

Definitions of purposeful
  1. adjective
    serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal
    synonyms:
    meaningful
    having a meaning or purpose
    businesslike, earnest
    not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal
    goal-directed, purposive
    having a purpose
    purpose-built, purpose-made
    designed and constructed to serve a particular purpose
    resolute
    firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    purposeless
    not evidencing any purpose or goal
    meaningless, nonmeaningful
    having no meaning or direction or purpose
    desultory
    marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
  2. adjective
    having meaning through having an aim
    “led a happy purposeful life”
    synonyms:
    meaningful
    having a meaning or purpose
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘purposeful'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family