better-off

American  

[bet-er-awf, -of] / ˈbɛt ərˈɔf, -ˈɒf /

adjective

1. being in better circumstances, especially economically.

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

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better off Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of better-off

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

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

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2025

Mr Sa'adu is among the better-off as some of the other men who live there have no furniture, and share sleeping mats which they roll out on the floor.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2024

We asked them whether they agreed or disagreed that it’s the responsibility of better-off people to help those who are worse off, and things like that.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Standards vary greatly, from shops selling neatly packaged and licensed products in Baghdad's better-off neighbourhoods to more traditional herbologists mixing plants scooped out of jars in front of customers.

From Reuters • Jun. 25, 2023

She had hoped to build the Fugees into a well-organized program that provided refugee children with all the opportunities better-off American kids enjoyed.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John