well-meaning
Americanadjective
-
meaning or intending well; having good intentions.
a well-meaning but tactless person.
-
Also well-meant proceeding from good intentions.
Her well-meaning words were received in silence.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of well-meaning
A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But this trend must force public health leaders to confront what a communication failure looks like when well-meaning but blunt advice stops being heard and heeded and more sympathetic, appealing messages take hold.
From Slate ● Aug. 27, 2026
But there is no protocol for well-meaning mothers who suspect something about their 20-something who pays her own rent, doesn’t miss work and answers all her calls.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
“So if I don’t have the control, then there’s nothing really that I can do, other than try to be as truthful and passionate and well-meaning as I possibly can, you know?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
He described the participants as "well-meaning" but "misinformed" about the potential environmental impact.
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
He endured trumpet lessons, soccer camp, church-sponsored basketball tournaments, and after-school sessions with well-meaning tutors who would politely change the subject when asked about the Rooster's chances of getting into Yale or Princeton.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
