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.

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times