well-being

American  

[wel-bee-ing] / ˈwɛlˈbi ɪŋ /

noun

1. a good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity; welfare.

   to influence the well-being of the nation and its people.

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Usage

What does well-being mean? The well-being of someone or something is its welfare or overall condition or state of health. A high level of well-being means that the overall condition is healthy and positive. Well-being can also refer to a specific aspect of one’s health, and it is often preceded by words like mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and the like. Well-being is most often applied to people and communities but it can also be applied to things, especially organizations or institutions, such as a nation, economy, or educational system. It is sometimes spelled without the hyphen (well being) or as one word (wellbeing). Example: I hate to call out sick so close to my deadline, but I’m trying to prioritize my well-being instead of constantly pushing myself.

Etymology

Origin of well-being

First recorded in 1605–15

Compare meaning

How does well-being compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• wellness vs. well-being

Explanation

Well-being is a state of health, happiness, and contentment. Everyone wants to enjoy well-being. When things are going well in a person's life, she feels a sense of well-being. Being healthy, happy, and having friends are all signs of well-being, while if you lose your job or become seriously ill, others will be concerned about your well-being. People in dangerous jobs like soldiers or police officers often find their well-being in jeopardy. The word well-being is also a philosophical term, especially important in various kinds of moral philosophy.

Example Sentences

Moreno-Gama’s parents said they have been trying to get him mental-health treatment and were concerned about his well-being.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern because of its links to lifespan, physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Considering all angles of the situation through the lens of your own well-being first and foremost will give you all the answers you need.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

White House border czar Tom Homan insists that the purpose of these checks is to ensure well-being rather than to deport people.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

“So if I were the principal, and I needed to check on the well-being or current location of any of my students, I’d naturally need to log on to my computer,” Nurse Beverly said.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• comfort
• contentment
• happiness
• health
• prosperity
• protection
• safety
• security
• success
• welfare