well intentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"well intentioned" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe actions or statements that are meant to be helpful or kind, even if the outcome is not as intended. Example: "Her well intentioned advice ended up causing more confusion." Alternative expressions include "good-hearted" and "well-meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Well intentioned.

The New Yorker

The measure is well intentioned.

The New York Times

Thompson is obviously well intentioned.

The New York Times - Books

And it's terribly well intentioned.

Independent

Such caution, though well intentioned, is misplaced.

The New York Times

The play is no doubt well intentioned.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He is basically well-intentioned.

The New York Times

These reforms were all well-intentioned.

The New Yorker

INNOCENT musing by a well-intentioned intellectual?

The Economist

Another well-intentioned but awful moment.

The New Yorker

His well-intentioned advice could be formidable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well intentioned" to describe actions or policies where the motivation is positive, even if the outcome is unfavorable or unintended. For example, "The policy was "well intentioned", but it had several unforeseen consequences."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "well intentioned" action is automatically beneficial. Always consider the actual impact and potential unintended consequences, even when the initial motivation was positive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well intentioned" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, plans, or people characterized by good or benevolent intentions. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well intentioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes actions or individuals motivated by good intentions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in News & Media contexts. While it acknowledges positive intent, it's crucial to consider the actual impact and potential unintended consequences. Related phrases such as "well meant" and "good intentioned" offer similar meanings. Use "well intentioned" judiciously to balance acknowledging intent with assessing real-world outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well meant

Focuses more on the underlying feeling or intention being good, regardless of outcome.

good intentioned

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "well" with "good".

well meaning

Similar to "well meant", emphasizing the positive nature of the intent.

with good intentions

Expresses the concept as having or acting with good purposes.

benevolent

Implies a desire to do good to others; more formal.

altruistic

Highlights selfless concern for others; more formal and strong.

kindhearted

Refers to a general disposition of kindness and empathy.

compassionate

Emphasizes empathy and a desire to alleviate suffering.

with the best of intentions

Indicates the highest level of positive intent, even if results are poor.

amicable

Characterizes by friendliness and goodwill.

FAQs

What does "well intentioned" mean?

"Well intentioned" describes actions or people motivated by good or helpful intentions, even if the results are not always positive or effective.

What are some synonyms for "well intentioned"?

Alternatives include "well meant", "good intentioned", "well meaning", or "benevolent" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "well intentioned" in a sentence?

You might say, "The program was "well intentioned", but it lacked proper funding" or "He's "well intentioned", but sometimes his advice isn't helpful".

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "well intentioned"?

While it acknowledges positive intent, using "well intentioned" can sometimes come across as dismissive if the action caused harm. It's important to balance the acknowledgement of intent with a recognition of the actual impact. In such cases, adding a caveat is good practice like, "The plan was "well intentioned", but ultimately ineffective".