wellness

[ wel-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.
2. an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

wellness

/ ˈwɛlnəs /

noun

1. the state of being in good physical and mental health

Word History and Origins

Origin of wellness¹

First recorded in 1650–60, for an earlier sense; introduced in 1957 by U.S. biostatistician Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. (1896–1975), for the current senses; well ¹ (in the sense “in good health”) + -ness

Example Sentences

Alberto Carvalho, the agents said they were there to perform wellness checks and falsely claimed the students’ families had given permission for the contact.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy exploits the language of the "wellness" industry, with its misleading emphasis on "natural" health care and "letting" your body heal itself.

From Salon

Love said we need to reclaim the importance of science, which “requires a systemic mindset shift that won’t happen until the misinformation spread by wellness profiteers is clamped down on.”

From Salon

This has coincided with a "shift in attitude" towards cosmetic procedures over the past decade because of a movement in society "towards wellness and looking after oneself", she said.

From BBC

As airlines look to capitalize on the return to travel after the pandemic emergency, Delta and other carriers are leaning into high-end amenities such as luxury lounges that offer fine dining and wellness areas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• wellbeing