do-gooding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often derogatory
Quick answer
What does “do-gooding” mean?
The practice or characteristic of trying to help others, especially in a way that is naive, impractical, or self-righteous.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or characteristic of trying to help others, especially in a way that is naive, impractical, or self-righteous.
Often pejorative term for earnest but ineffectual or intrusive attempts at social improvement or charity. Can refer to activism or philanthropy perceived as superficial, moralistic, or disconnected from real needs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and connotations are nearly identical. Slightly more common in British media commentary.
Connotations
Consistently pejorative in both varieties, suggesting naivety and moral superiority.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood. More likely in opinion journalism or political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “do-gooding” in a Sentence
[adjective] + do-goodingdo-gooding + [prepositional phrase (e.g., of the elites)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “do-gooding” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was tired of her do-gooding attitude.
- The policy was dismissed as mere do-gooding nonsense.
American English
- They rejected his do-gooding proposals as unrealistic.
- She was accused of having a do-gooding mindset.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in critique of corporate social responsibility seen as PR.
Academic
Rare in formal work; used in critical social theory or political commentary.
Everyday
Used in discussions about politics, charity, or social issues to express scepticism.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “do-gooding”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “do-gooding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do-gooding”
- Using it as a positive term.
- Confusing it with 'doing good' (neutral phrase).
- Using it as a verb ('He do-gooded all day').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is typically used in a critical or dismissive way to describe efforts seen as naive, self-righteous, or ineffective.
'Doing good' is a neutral description of beneficial actions. 'Do-gooding' is a nominalized label that carries a negative, often sarcastic, connotation about the nature or motive of those actions.
No, it is not standard. The related noun 'do-gooder' is used for a person. The activity is labelled 'do-gooding'.
No, it belongs to informal, mainly journalistic or conversational registers, and is often pejorative.
The practice or characteristic of trying to help others, especially in a way that is naive, impractical, or self-righteous.
Do-gooding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː ɡʊd.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdu ɡʊd.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bleeding-heart liberal (related)”
- “Save the world”
- “Holier-than-thou”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOing GOOD' but adding '-ING' makes it a label for the *activity* itself, often said with a sigh or eye-roll.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HELP IS A SUPERFICIAL PERFORMANCE (the 'do-gooder' is on a stage, acting out virtue).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'do-gooding' correctly and typically?