do-gooder

[doo-good-er, -good-]

noun

1. a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.

do-gooder

noun

1. informal,  a well-intentioned person, esp a naive or impractical one

Other Word Forms

• do-gooding noun
• do-goodery noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-gooder¹

1925–30, do good + -er ¹

Example Sentences

It’s possible to make a movie about an innocent do-gooder that doesn’t drown in sugary goodness.

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Superman’s stymied do-gooder impulse feels right for an era where you can’t say “Save the whales” without some genius asking why you don’t care about plankton.

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“Urchin” is rich in confidence without a penny of do-gooder pity.

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The critics say the gang leader’s metamorphosis defies reality, and that the kindly, do-gooder persona of Emilia Pérez mocks the victims who suffered during her former, malevolent reign.

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As Jacob, the liberal white do-gooder at a West Philadelphia elementary school, Perfetti has become a fan favorite and meme king.

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