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

“My thoughtful, introspective and well-intentioned father went through living hell,” his son, lawyer Paul Maginn, says, adding that “any right-thinking person” could see the allegation had been made up by Crossley.

From BBC

Newsom in his veto message said the legislation, while well-intentioned, could give the public false sense of security about the new, rapidly developing technology.

From Los Angeles Times

“While well-intentioned, SB 1047 does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data,” Newsom’s veto message stated.

From Los Angeles Times

The lack of housing development expertise in councils means well-intentioned plans can go wrong in a hurry.

From BBC

Many a well-intentioned promise has been broken in football, of course, but perhaps Klopp's comeback really will come outside England.

From BBC

Related Words

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