valuable
B1 (Common)Neutral to formal. Commonly used across all registers, though specific collocations may lean formal.
Definition
Meaning
Having great worth, being very useful or important, often in terms of money, usefulness, or sentiment.
Can refer to time, resources, qualities (e.g., traits, skills), or contributions that are highly beneficial or significant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective. Can function as a noun (plural: 'valuables') to mean 'valuable items, especially small personal possessions'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The nominal use ('valuables') is slightly more common in UK English for signs/warnings (e.g., 'Do not leave valuables in the car').
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
BE + valuable + to + NP (It was valuable to me)BE + valuable + for + NP/Gerund (This tool is valuable for fixing things)consider/find + NP + valuable (I found his feedback valuable)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Worth its/one's weight in gold (to be extremely useful or valuable).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to assets, data, partnerships, or employees that add significant worth to a company.
Academic
Describes research, insights, sources, or contributions that significantly advance knowledge.
Everyday
Used for objects, time, advice, or experiences considered important or useful.
Technical
In economics/finance, denotes assets with monetary worth; in computing, refers to critical data.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The archaeologist made several valuable discoveries at the Roman site.
- Please lock your valuables in the hotel safe.
American English
- She provided valuable insight during the strategy meeting.
- He keeps his valuables in a safe deposit box at the bank.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This ring is very valuable.
- My grandmother gave me this valuable book.
- The internet is a valuable tool for learning.
- We learned a valuable lesson about teamwork.
- His experience in marketing proved valuable for the new campaign.
- The report contains valuable data for future planning.
- The CEO's most valuable asset is her ability to inspire innovation.
- Critics dismissed the film, but I found it a valuable meditation on modern society.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'VALUE-able' – if something has value, it is able to be considered VALUABLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE IS WEALTH / IMPORTANCE IS SIZE (a *huge* contribution).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'ценный' for people in a sentimental sense – 'valuable friend' sounds transactional; 'dear' or 'precious' is better. 'Valuable' for people usually refers to their skills/role.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'valuable' as a verb (*I valuable this* – correct: *I value this*). Confusing 'valuable' (high worth) with 'invaluable' (priceless, cannot be measured).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'valuable' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Valuable' means 'having great worth'. 'Invaluable' is stronger; it means 'so valuable that its worth cannot be measured' or 'priceless'. They are not opposites; 'invaluable' is an intensification.
Yes, but only in the plural form 'valuables', meaning 'small personal items of great worth', like jewellery or important documents.
It is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality often depends on the words it collocates with.
Using it as a verb. The adjective is 'valuable'; the verb is 'to value'. Incorrect: 'I valuable your help.' Correct: 'I value your help' or 'Your help is valuable.'
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