well-meaning

Also well-in·ten·tioned

[wel-mee-ning]

adjective

1. meaning or intending well; having good intentions.

   a well-meaning but tactless person.

2. Also well-meant proceeding from good intentions.

   Her well-meaning words were received in silence.

well-meaning

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-meaning¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

While there are safeguards, anyone from a well-meaning loved one to a malicious scam artist can create fake versions of you that would have been inconceivable a few years ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Government works pretty well all over the world, so long as well-meaning people with strong, relevant experience are put in leadership positions.

Read more on Salon

The party appears to be trying to shed its image as well-meaning eco-warriors to become an insurgent force.

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Many white people, even the most well-meaning, cannot fully comprehend that.

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And experts say situations where scammers pretend to be celebrities to extract money from well-meaning fans are far from rare.

Read more on Los Angeles Times