Is invaluable a word

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: Salma Schinner

Score: 4.7/5
(31 votes)

As adjectives the difference between invaluable and worthless. is that invaluable is of great value; costly, precious, priceless while worthless is not having worth and use, without value, inconsequential.

Is invaluable positive or negative?

If valuable means costly or precious, it seems intuitive that invaluable would be its opposite, namely, not costly or precious. The prefix in- is often used as a negation, like in the words inattentive and indefensible. Invaluable requires some mental gymnastics.

What does it mean when someone says you are invaluable?

The original (and current) meaning of invaluable is «valuable beyond estimation«; the word describes something so precious that one cannot assign a price to it. This, clearly, is the opposite of the meaning «having no value; valueless» that the word might seem to carry.

Should I use valuable or invaluable?

Something that’s valuable is worth a lot of money and would net a good price. Something that’s invaluable, on the other hand, is valuable beyond estimation. It’s priceless.

Is invaluable a good word?

Invaluable, on the other hand, means «valuable beyond estimation.» Much like priceless, it describes something that is of such a great value that it cannot fairly be quantified: Great mentors have had an invaluable impact on my career success to date.

17 related questions found

Asked by: Mr. Amani Willms IV

Score: 5/5
(46 votes)

The first known use of invaluable was in 1576.

Is Invaluable a bad word?

An ‘Invaluable’ Lesson. What is proper usage worth to you? The «In-» of invaluable does in fact mean «not,» but here it indicates that something «is beyond an estimation of value» or «cannot be appropriately appraised.» Thus it’s meaning is similar to, or greater than, «valuable,» and closer to meaning «priceless. ‘

What is the origin of the word valuable?

Whats the difference between valuable and invaluable?

Something that’s valuable is worth a lot of money and would net a good price. Something that’s invaluable, on the other hand, is valuable beyond estimation. It’s priceless.

Can invaluable be a noun?

The quality of being invaluable.

15 related questions found

Last Updated:
27 Mar 2023
— Updated example sentences

Most things in life come with a price tag. But then several other things are priceless or cannot be evaluated monetarily. This difference is the line distinguishing «valuable» and «invaluable».

The term «valuable» denotes anything worth a significant amount of money. An «invaluable» thing, on the other hand, is priceless or cannot be quantified. Individuals, health, skills, experiences, moments, etc., are invaluable. A physical item with emotional value can also be deemed «invaluable».

Unlike most terms that begin with the prefix «in-«, «invaluable» is not the antonym of «valuable». If you thought so, keep reading to learn why that is not the case and a host of other things about the two adjectives.

«Valuable» – Definition

The term «valuable» can mean «worth chunks of money», «limited in quantity; important», «very helpful or useful», etc. The term «valuable» is derived from «value», which means «worth». When employed as a verb, «value» means «to appraise»».

Primarily an adjective, the term refers to anything that can be «appraised or valued». In regular usage, however, the word often implies «precious» or «costly». Add the letter «s» to the word and the adjective turns into a noun. «Valuables» denotes «expensive belongings».

Anything can be considered «valuable» – be it people, artifacts, jewelry, gadgets, a piece of advice, etc. However, whether that holds value or not or is «valuable» in its most real sense is based on individual perception.

That said, certain things are objectively «valuable» and are not subject to interpretations. For example, luxury watches, precious jewels, properties, etc., are valuable or have a definite price tag.

«Invaluable» – Definition

Like «valuable», «invaluable» is an adjective also but is an «intensified» variant of «valuable» if it could be put that way. The term denotes anything so important or «valuable» that a monetary value cannot be placed on it or its worth cannot be quantified. People, for instance, are considered «invaluable» if they cannot be replaced. Parents are invaluable.

«Invaluable» things usually do not get or cannot be appraised monetarily. If a certain thing is considered «invaluable», it’s beyond «value». Not to mention, «invaluable» can be viewed as an approximate synonym of «innumerable». Other synonyms could be «priceless», «indispensable», «irreplaceable», etc.

Generally, all things considered as «valuable» can also be held as «invaluable». However, as mentioned above, an «invaluable» thing is a notch higher than «valuable». And to be held that high, it needs to be special in a certain way.

In other words, the particular thing needs to hold a specific value – which could be sentimental, emotional, etc. For example, a Rolex watch bought at retail price is a «valuable» item. However, if that same watch was passed down to a son by his dad, the watch becomes an «invaluable» possession to the son.

Any given thing is considered «invaluable» if it cannot be bought or sold for money. The watch from the example above, however, can be sold for cash. But because it’s «invaluable» to the person holding it, he may be unwilling to sell the timepiece.

Why the Confusion Between «Valuable» and «Invaluable»?

«Invaluable» quite clearly is not the opposite of «valuable», and it’s, therefore, imperative to remember the meaning of the adjective, to not confuse it for the antonym of «valuable». In a way, «invaluable» could be viewed as the comparative version of «valuable» or the intensified variant of «valuable».

The Spelling Conundrum

The terms «valuable» and «invaluable» get often mistaken for antonyms. That’s not just because of their confounding meanings but also due to their spellings. In English, the prefix «in-» is invariably employed as a negation. Negation refers to a term such as «no», «never», «not», etc., that helps express a given word or sentence’s opposite meaning.

The terms «indefensible» and «inattentive» are antonyms of «defensible» and «attentive», respectively. Similar is the case with «dependent» and «independent», «curable» and «incurable», «formal» and «informal», «articulate» and «inarticulate», «valid» and «invalid», «sane» and «insane», etc.

Unlike in the aforementioned set of words, the prefix «in-» is used as an intensifier in «invaluable» and not as a negation. Its usage is similar to how «in-» is employed in the terms «infringe» and «inflame».

To understand it even better, «valuable» and «invaluable» can be likened to «flammable» and «inflammable». For those who do not know, «flammable» refers to «a thing that can be set on fire». «Inflammable», on the other hand, denotes «a thing or item that can easily catch fire».

Correlating Nouns

As mentioned above, «invaluable» and «innumerable» can be viewed as synonyms, with the former meaning «too great to count» or «uncountable». As both the terms start with «in-«, remembering «invaluable» stands for something beyond value becomes much easier.

Another point to note when trying to remember the meanings of the two words or not confusing them is that the term «valuable» is primarily used in correlation with «belongings» or «objects». «Invaluable» is a lot more common adjective used in relation with «skills», «characteristics», etc. In short, a gold coin is «valuable». A good friend, however, is «invaluable».

Using the Term «Valuable» in Texts

As mentioned above, the term «valuable» is primarily used as an adjective. Though «valuables» is a noun, «valuable» can never be used in texts as a noun or any other form of a word. The following are a few sentences using the word as an adjective:

• The collection consisted of hundreds of valuable sports memorabilia items, particularly signed basketball jerseys.
• The acquisition turned the company into the most valuable consulting firm in the world.
• She sold all of her valuable belongings.

The following sentences also incorporate «valuable» as an adjective, but the term is not placed right before a noun:

• A clear conscience is any day more valuable to me than money.
• A family doctor can be deemed valuable only if they genuinely understand your ills and your requirements.

Here is a sentence with the noun «valuables»:

• She locked her passport, camera, and other valuables safely in the hotel.

The term «valuable» can also be used to describe things that are usually considered «invaluable». For instance, friendships can be both «invaluable» and «valuable». Similarly, a piece of advice could also be either «invaluable» or «valuable». It all depends on how significant a given thing is to you.

On a side note, «valuable» is used more in academic texts than «invaluable». In fact, in academic writings, «valuable» assumes a symbolic meaning that’s synonymous with «important». In specific other scenarios, it denotes a thing of «high monetary value».

Using the Term «Invaluable» in Texts

As mentioned multiple times above, «invaluable» is linked with non-tangible things holding great, irreplaceable value. However, there are also instances when the adjective can be used in relation with tangible items. Even money could be considered «invaluable» based on the context in which it comes into play or the purpose it serves. For example:

• Those funds were invaluable as they provided the cash-strapped farmers some much-needed strength to continue fighting.

Therefore, it’s not correct to assume that physical goods cannot be «invaluable». If you’re still not sure, refer to the Rolex watch example above.

Example Sentences with the Word «Valuable»

The following are sentences using the term «valuable»:

• Google is among the most valuable brands in the world.
• The gifts presented to her by the monarchs and princes were valuable, to say the least.
• The most valuable jewelry pieces were kept in the safe.
• She is a valuable client.
• A Patek Philippe watch is any day more valuable than any Timex.
• Steel and iron are valuable industrial metals.
• They were running short of their valuable resources.
• What is so valuable about it?
• She found something valuable.
• I understand her time is valuable, but can I have just 10 minutes with her?
• He is becoming more and more valuable to the firm with every passing quarter.
• Diamonds are arguably the most valuable stones around.
• The imperialists plundered several valuable artworks.

Example Sentences with the Term «Invaluable»

Here are sentences incorporate the word «invaluable» correctly:

• Her inputs were invaluable to the team.
• This experience gained will prove invaluable in the future.
• Her expert knowledge in the domain made her an invaluable resource.
• A top-of-the-line computer would be invaluable for the project.
• The technology shall prove invaluable for people with poor sight.
• The Internet is a massive repository of invaluable information sources.
• The computer is her most invaluable possession.
• Microscopy is invaluable to studying cell structure.
• The book makes for an inspiring and invaluable reading experience.
• Having been in the field of designing gardens for more than three decades, she has put together an invaluable list of suppliers and artisans.
• Her travel escapades provided her some invaluable insight.
• Intuition is an invaluable trait.
• The platform is invaluable for her.

Conclusion

The terms «valuable» and «invaluable» may seem like antonyms to a novice. Those who know better use the two interchangeably. But the ones who truly understand the meanings of the two terms realize the two adjectives cannot be employed in sentences synonymously.

Those who mistake the two for opposite terms cannot be outright criticized as the two words’ respective meanings do connote the same. In other words, «being able to appraise» and «not being able to appraise» sound or read like two opposite things.

However, if you look at the contexts or sentences in which these two words get used, «invaluable» sits a notch above «valuable» in terms of «value» or denotes «highly esteemed» or «very important». Not to mention, the opposite of «valuable» is «valueless», «unworthy», etc.

Some English usage can look mystifying to outside observers. Often, though, even things which don’t seem to make sense on a superficial level actually do make sense after all.

Invaluable and valuable, for example, seem to be opposites, but most English speakers and writers use them more like synonyms. This shouldn’t be possible, but as we will see, once you dig deeper into the literal meaning of these words, the reasons for this usage become much more clear.

What is the Difference Between Invaluable and Valuable?

In this post, I will compare valuable vs. invaluable. I will use each word in at least one example sentence, so you can see it in its context.

Plus, I will show you a helpful memory tool that you can use as a reminder of whether valuable or invaluable is a better word to choose.

When to Use Valuable

What does valuable mean? Valuable is an adjective. Its most literal meaning is able to be valued or appraised, but, in common usage, it is more likely to mean costly or precious.

Valuables can be a plural noun that mean expensive belongings, but valuable is not a singular noun.

The sentences below are examples of valuable as an adjective,

• The collector’s hoard contained thousands of baseball cards, along with other valuable pieces of memorabilia.
• “Andrea is a valuable contributor to our team,” wrote Marcus in his peer evaluation.
• The stock sale sets Snap up as the most valuable American technology company to go public since Facebook nearly five years ago. –The New York Times

Valuable is related to the word value, which means what something is worth as a noun and to appraise something as a verb. Its adverb form is valuably.

When to Use Invaluable

What does invaluable mean? Invaluable is also an adjective. Its purest meaning might be unable to be valued or appraised. In real life, though, it usually means very important or highly esteemed.

• For the price of a three-bedroom home with a pool in a leafy suburb, you can now buy something really and truly invaluable. Your own stadium seat. –The Wall Street Journal

Invaluable confuses some writers who think it should mean the opposite of valuable. If valuable means costly or precious, it seems intuitive that invaluable would be its opposite, namely, not costly or precious. The prefix in- is often used as a negation, like in the words inattentive and indefensible.

Invaluable requires some mental gymnastics. Something that is very important might be so important that a value cannot be placed on it, making it unable to be valued, or invaluable. In a way, you can think of invaluable as a comparative form of valuable, like more valuable or instead of the nonexistent valuabler.

Trick to Remember the Difference

When comparing invaluable vs. valuable, some writers get confused. These words seem like they should be opposites, but the negation of valuable is actually used as an intensified version of the word in real life. You can see why this would throw people off, especially language learners.

It might be easier to think of invaluable as a rough synonym for innumerable, which means too great to be counted. Since both of these words begin with the prefix in-, remembering that invaluable describes something to important to be valued is much easier.

Another good mental check you can use is to look at the term you are describing. Valuable is more commonly used with objects or belongings–tangible things. Invaluable is more commonly used with skills or character qualities–intangible things.

Summary

Is it invaluable or valuable? These words are close in their spellings and close in the meanings, but there are important nuances that you should learn as a writer.

• Valuable is an adjective that means expensive or precious.
• Invaluable looks like its opposite, but actually means too important to be assigned a value.

The words ‘valuable’ and ‘invaluable’ are an odd pair of words. If you know the English or Latin prefixes, then at first glance they should mean the exact opposite of each other. However, in casual speech, they are nearly interchangeable. This is because of a complicated etymology.

The prefix ‘in-’, which comes from Latin, can mean something along the lines of ‘inward’, like in the word ‘insight’. However, in this case, it carries the second meaning, which is ‘not’. It’s found in words such as ‘incapable’, which means ‘not capable’. The prefix ‘un-’ is similar.

So, because of that, the word ‘invaluable’ means ‘not valuable’. And yet, it can be used to mean exactly the same thing as the word ‘valuable’.

‘Valuable’ comes from the root word ‘value’ and the suffix ‘-able’. The suffix ‘-able’ is common in English. It means, roughly, ‘fit to be’. For example, if something is movable, then it is fit to be moved, meaning that it is able to be moved. The ‘able to be’ meaning is the most commonly used today, but there are others. If something is fashionable, then it is fit for fashion, meaning that it’s in line with current fashion.

Originally, it was carried over from French and Latin and only found in those borrowed words, but over time people began to use it in English verbs, especially the ones ending in ‘–ate’, to form adjectives. Later on, people began to use it with all forms of words, including nouns and verb phrases, such as in the word ‘kickable’.

That brings us to the word ‘value’ itself. It is both a noun and a verb. The noun refers to importance placed on an object, or on a very important object, such as morals. The verb form means the act of placing importance on an object, whether by estimating the importance or by giving it high regard. This was not originally the verb form of ‘value’, however.

The word ‘valuable’ was formed back when the only English words assigned the ‘-able’ suffix were verbs ending in ‘–ate’, which means it was likely formed from the word ‘valuate’. It means specifically to estimate the worth of something important. That word has mostly been taken over by the similar word ‘evaluate’, which is a verb formed from the French word ‘evaluation’.

Because of that, the word ‘valuable’ means something that has importance that can be estimated. In other words, if you have a valuable object, then you can determine how much it would be worth if you sold it, how important it would be to the world as a whole, or so on. It has long been common practice to take certain things in to specialists to find out if you can sell them. This is normally only done to objects with inherent worth, such as gems, works of art, or inventions. Hence, if something can be valued, then it is likely that it is already worth a lot.

The word ‘invaluable’ is the opposite of that. It is something which cannot be estimated, such as the love of a parent. It means a lot, but you cannot put a pricetag on it.

Both of them describe something important regardless of whether it can be estimated, which is why they have come to mean the same thing. Since they have both taken on the same meaning, it doesn’t usually matter which one is used unless it is in a historical work set when they were distinct.

To summarize, ‘valuable’ describes something which has worth that can be estimated. ‘Invaluable’ describes something which has worth that cannot be estimated. Both of them are used in the exact same contexts and they can often be used interchangeably.