do-gooder

USAGE SUMMARY

"do-gooder" is correct and usable in written English.
It's a noun that is used to describe someone who always helps others or attempts to do good. For example, "He's the kind of do-gooder who will always go out of his way to help people in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Pushy do-gooder.

The New York Times

Is Mr. Abrams really a do-gooder?

The New York Times

He is a longtime do-gooder.

The New York Times

Clifford is an accident-prone do-gooder.

The New York Times - Tech

He was very much a do-gooder.

The New York Times

It's an annoying celebrity do-gooder line.

The New York Times

Albert is a nagging do-gooder.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Gates: Your point about purposeful infrastructure is right, but I'm not the community do-gooder.

The New York Times

Alicia began as a righteous do-gooder and learned to ignore her conscience.

The New York Times

I have become a general "do-gooder/trouble maker".

The New York Times

The term "do‑gooder" is, of course, often demeaning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "do-gooder", as it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being naive or self-righteous. Choose a more neutral term like "altruist" or "humanitarian" if you want to avoid potential criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "do-gooder" in formal or professional writing, such as academic papers or business reports. It's often perceived as informal and can undermine the seriousness of your message. Opt for more appropriate alternatives such as "philanthropist" or "social advocate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "do-gooder" is as a noun, often used to describe a person. It can function as a subject (e.g., "The do-gooder arrived to help") or an object (e.g., "They called him a do-gooder"). Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do-gooder" is a noun phrase used to describe someone who is perceived as acting with good intentions, but often with a hint of naiveté, ineffectiveness, or self-righteousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. While commonly found in News & Media, its slightly pejorative connotation means it's essential to consider context when using it. Alternatives like "altruist" or "humanitarian" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Avoid overusing "do-gooder" in academic or professional writing to maintain a serious and credible tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altruist

Focuses on selfless concern for others; lacks the potentially negative connotation of "do-gooder".

humanitarian

Emphasizes efforts to improve the lives of others, often on a larger scale.

philanthropist

Highlights charitable giving and actions to benefit society.

benevolent individual

A more formal way to describe someone who is kind and well-meaning.

public servant

Implies dedication to serving the community or the public good.

charitable person

Focuses on generosity and willingness to give to those in need.

social reformer

Highlights efforts to improve society, often through political or social action.

idealist

Emphasizes belief in a better world and commitment to achieving it.

well-intentioned person

Highlights good intentions, even if the results are not always positive.

good Samaritan

Refers to someone who helps others, especially strangers, in times of need.

FAQs

How to use "do-gooder" in a sentence?

You can use "do-gooder" to describe someone who is well-intentioned but perhaps naive, such as, "He was seen as a naive "do-gooder", unaware of the complexities of the situation."

What can I say instead of "do-gooder"?

You can use alternatives like "altruist", "humanitarian", or "philanthropist" depending on the context.

Is "do-gooder" a positive or negative term?

"Do-gooder" can be both positive and negative, depending on the context and the speaker's intent. It often implies that someone is trying to do good, but may be naive or self-righteous in their approach.

What's the difference between "do-gooder" and "humanitarian"?

While both terms describe people who help others, "humanitarian" typically refers to someone involved in large-scale efforts to alleviate suffering, while "do-gooder" can imply smaller, perhaps less effective, acts of kindness and may sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation. The term "humanitarian" generally has a more formal and respectful tone.