well-meaning

American

[wel-mee-ning] / ˈwɛlˈmi nɪŋ /

Also well-intentioned

adjective

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.

well-meaning British

adjective

having or indicating good or benevolent intentions, usually with unfortunate results

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

On the face of it the acts seem well meaning, so why do they attract criticism?

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2025

“I’m well meaning, and I’m an elderly man, and I know what the hell I’m doing,” Mr. Biden told a Fox News reporter who asked him about the report after his statement.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2024

However well meaning they might have been, she finds it infuriating to explain her situation over and over to strangers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2023

Solidarity between striking actors and writers has been strong as well, meaning it will be difficult for the studios not to give SAG what it is seeking as well.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2023

People will be asking things, well meaning but nevertheless poking their fingers where it still hurts.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023