well-intentioned

[ wel-in-ten-shuhnd ]

adjective

1. well-meaning.

well-intentioned

adjective

1. having or indicating benevolent intentions, usually with unfortunate results

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-intentioned¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

What you see is a massive, well-intentioned, legal junk pile.

From The Daily Beast

The general rap on him is: reasonably well-intentioned but weak.

From The Daily Beast

This was not a musical performance, per se, but you bet your ass this was a “performance”—albeit a well-intentioned and noble one.

From The Daily Beast

And as with all cheerful, well-intentioned memes, the Challenge has provoked some good old-fashioned political trolling.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately, this can result in sending a well-intentioned but perilous message.

From The Daily Beast

You observe, that the heads of some well intentioned, though visionary Americans, run much upon a truce.

From Project Gutenberg

Pishtchalkin, the well-intentioned peaceable mediator, came in and sat with him for three hours.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the kind and well-intentioned could ask innocent questions which hurt like the thrust of a needle under a finger-nail.

From Project Gutenberg

The blow, well aimed and well intentioned, sent the little fellow summersetting like a sugar hogshead.

From Project Gutenberg

We're only well-intentioned fools who go around putting plasters over the sores.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agreeable
• benign
• encouraging
• positive
• supportive
• sympathetic