better-off

[bet-er-awf, -of]

adjective

1. being in better circumstances, especially economically.

   Only the better-off nations can afford to send probes into space.

Word History and Origins

Origin of better-off¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Idioms and Phrases

In a more favorable position or financial circumstances. For example, They were better off flying than driving there, or They were better off than most of their neighbors. This phrase is the comparative form of well off. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Some experts have argued that it favours pupils from better-off backgrounds while disadvantaging the less well-off.

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Better-off Venezuelans left on airplanes.

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The government said offering an alternative would "break down barriers to opportunity", because white working class pupils were twice as likely to need to resit than their better-off classmates.

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"If the chancellor wants to raise more from the better-off, a better approach would be to fix existing wealth-related taxes, including capital gains tax," it noted.

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It’s not to drag the relatively better-off down to the bottom, but to allow more people to pull themselves up.

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