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

Investment in AI will keep boosting stocks, spending by wealthier people will support the economy as the less well-off economize, and uncertainty about trade will diminish, but remain a factor.

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He has argued that “policies that help the poorest could create far more collective happiness than boosting the fortunes of those who are already well-off.”

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He has argued that “policies that help the poorest could create far more collective happiness than boosting the fortunes of those who are already well-off.”

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Mrs. Choi is the queen bee of Autumn’s well-off neighborhood, and her Southern twang is like her designer shoes—something she never forgets to put on before she leaves the house.

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He’s well-off but constantly whining about how much debt he’s drowning in.

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Related Words

• affluent 
• prosperous 
• well-to-do