Legal Definitions - beneficial

Definition: Beneficial is an adjective that means something is favorable or produces benefits. It can also refer to a right that comes from something other than legal ownership.

• A healthy diet and exercise are beneficial for your overall health.
• Investing in stocks can be beneficial for your financial future.
• Even though she didn't legally own the property, she had a beneficial interest in the trust that owned it.

The first two examples show how something can be beneficial in producing positive outcomes. Eating healthy and exercising can benefit your health, while investing in stocks can benefit your financial situation. The third example shows how beneficial can also refer to a right or interest that comes from something other than legal ownership. Even though the person didn't legally own the property, they still had a beneficial interest in it through the trust.