C1noun2K

Well-being

UK /["/ˈwel biːɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈwel biːɪŋ/"]/

Definition

general health and happiness

In simple words: Being happy and healthy.

Examples

  • **emotional/physical/psychological well-being**
  • to have **a sense of well-being**
  • We try to ensure the well-being of our employees.
  • A better water supply would contribute dramatically to the villagers' well-being.
  • She was filled with a sense of well-being.
  • Being with my family gives me a wonderful sense of well-being.
  • Physical and emotional well-being are closely linked.
  • She always looks after her sister's emotional well-being.
  • This industry is vital to the economic well-being of the city.
  • We need to look after the health and well-being of our community.

Usage notes

Used when discussing health, happiness, or quality of life. Common in both personal and professional contexts, but may sound out of place in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'well' as healthy and 'being' as existing — together they mean a healthy existence.

Collocations

  • general
  • overall
  • emotional
  • contribute to
  • enhance
  • ensure
  • health and well-being
  • a sense of well-being

Synonyms

  • wellness
  • happiness
  • health
  • contentment
  • prosperity

Antonyms

  • ill-being
  • unhappiness
  • discontent

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'well-behaved'; they have different meanings.
  • Using it as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Omitting the hyphen, writing it as 'wellbeing'.