First Known Use: 1576
Dictionary
invaluable
adjective in·valu·able \(ˌ)in-ˈval-yə-bəl, -yə-wə-bəl, -yü(-ə)-bəl\
: extremely valuable or useful
Full Definition of INVALUABLE
: valuable beyond estimation : priceless <providing invaluable assistance>
— in·valu·able·ness noun
— in·valu·ably \-blē\ adverb
See invaluable defined for English-language learners
See invaluable defined for kids
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Examples of INVALUABLE
- Unfortunately, though, Sally does not respond to lithium, which has been invaluable for many patients with manic-depressive illness … —Oliver Sacks, New York Review of Books, 25 Sept. 2008
- I stayed there only a month or so but it was an invaluable experience … : that month's residence provided the inspiration for a novel I wrote much later, Sophie's Choice. —William Styron, This Quiet Dust and Other Writings, (1953) 1982
- … the scrolls provide an invaluable snapshot of at least one important strain in early Judaism—though they are by no means a complete record of Jewish belief at that time. —Jeremy Lott, Lingua Franca, February 2001
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Origin of INVALUABLE
1in- + value, verb + -able
Related to INVALUABLE
- Synonyms
- inestimable, priceless
INVALUABLE Defined for Kids
invaluable
adjective in·valu·able \in-ˈval-yə-wə-bəl\
Definition of INVALUABLE for Kids
: priceless <… his advice and counsel will prove invaluable in dealing with such problems as might arise. — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>
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