well-off

[ wel-awf, -of ]

adjective

1. having sufficient money for comfortable living; well-to-do.

   Synonyms: comfortable, affluent, wealthy, prosperous

2. in a satisfactory, favorable, or good position or condition:

   If you have your health, you are well-off.

well-off

adjective

1. in a comfortable or favourable position or state
2. financially well provided for; moderately rich

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-off¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Idioms and Phrases

In fortunate circumstances, especially wealthy or prosperous, as in They're quite well off now . This phrase may be a shortening of come well off , that is, “emerge in good circumstances.” [First half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

As someone white, gay, married, and relatively well-off, my freedoms have increased dramatically in the last few years.

From The Daily Beast

He was a disgruntled, well-off white boy—so he fuels our arguments about privilege.

From The Daily Beast

The victims, in both cases, were neither white nor well-off financially.

From The Daily Beast

In America the reasonably well-off and moderately comfortable are the angry masses.

From The Daily Beast

So why are nearly a million people—many well-off—taking to the streets?

From The Daily Beast

The houses of the well-off were unpretentious outside, but were fitted inside with comfort and even elegance.

From Project Gutenberg

He's a well-off man, is my brother-in-law; more so than many folks think.

From Project Gutenberg

I can't see how, considering all you've said to me about your not being well-off, you got that money so quick.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in the West India trade and was well-off, and he had no children, so they expected he would do well by father.

From Project Gutenberg

A few of the well-off prisoners, who are in for long terms of imprisonment, have been allowed to build little huts for themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affluent
• prosperous
• well-to-do