well-off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is financially comfortable or wealthy. Example: "Despite the economic downturn, the well-off families in the neighborhood continued to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Appearance: Gallic, well-off.

The Guardian

And Ms Khobragade is indeed well-off.

The Economist

But the students were relatively well-off.

Independent

Too many well-off white people.

The New Yorker

Well-off Chinese began coming here.

The New York Times

Austria is well-off ecnomically today.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

well off the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Well off I went.

The New York Times

Well, off you go, Steven.

Independent

They are certainly well off.

The Economist

Not everyone was well off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-off" to describe individuals, families, or communities that have a comfortable level of financial security and enjoy a high standard of living. It is suitable for general contexts but avoid it in formal financial reports.

Common error

While "well-off" is widely understood, avoid using it in formal financial or economic reports. Opt for more precise terms like "high-income earners" or "financially secure households" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-off" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their financial status or condition. It indicates a state of having sufficient wealth to live comfortably, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples: "The Goldbergers are well-off" and "Both were well-off financially."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well-off" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe financial comfort or prosperity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective, typically used in neutral contexts such as news articles and general conversations. While it effectively communicates a comfortable financial status, it's best to avoid using it in formal financial documents, where more precise terminology is required. Related terms like "wealthy", "affluent", and "prosperous" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to distinguish "well-off" from "well off" (two words), which is not necessarily related to finances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-to-do

A formal way of saying someone is rich or prosperous.

wealthy

This term directly implies having a great amount of money or assets.

affluent

Suggests a high standard of living and access to luxury.

financially secure

Highlights the stability and safety of one's financial situation.

prosperous

Emphasizes success and good fortune in financial terms.

comfortable

Indicates having enough money to live without financial worries.

in good financial shape

This phrase describes the state of having stable finances.

of means

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of indicating wealth.

doing well

A more general way of saying someone is thriving financially.

easy street

Suggests a life of luxury and comfort due to wealth.

FAQs

How can I use "well-off" in a sentence?

You can use "well-off" to describe someone who is financially comfortable. For example, "They were a "well-off family" who could afford many luxuries".

What is a more formal alternative to "well-off"?

More formal alternatives to "well-off" include "affluent", "wealthy", or "prosperous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "well off" the same as "well-off"?

"Well-off" is the adjective describing someone's financial status. "Well off" (two words) can be part of a longer phrase and not necessarily related to finances (e.g., "He is "well off the mark"").

What's the difference between "rich" and "well-off"?

"Rich" typically implies a higher degree of wealth than "well-off". Someone who is "rich" has substantial assets and income, while someone who is "well-off" simply has enough to live comfortably without financial worries.