Definition

Adjective 1. Cooked thoroughly: Describes food, especially meat, that has been cooked for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature, resulting in a complete change in texture and color, with no pink or red parts remaining inside. 2. Performed skillfully or satisfactorily: Describes a task, job, or piece of work that has been completed with a high degree of competence and care.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Food):
  • I'd like my steak well-done, please. (This specifies the desired level of cooking for the meat.)
  • The chicken must be well-done to ensure it's safe to eat. (This emphasizes the necessity of thorough cooking.)
• Adjective (Task/Work):
  • That was a well-done presentation; you covered all the key points. (This praises the quality of the work.)
  • A well-done repair job will last for years. (This describes a competently executed task.)

Advanced Usage

• As an exclamation ("Well done!"): Used to express praise or congratulations for an achievement.
  • You passed the exam? Well done!
• In comparative/superlative forms: "better-done", "best-done" (though less common, used for direct comparison).
  • Of all the projects, hers was the best-done.

Variants and Related Words

• Well-done is a compound adjective formed from the adverb "well" and the past participle "done."
• Overdone (adj): Cooked for too long, often implying a negative result like being dry or burnt.
  • The roast was overdone and quite tough.
• Underdone (adj): Not cooked enough.
  • The fish is still underdone in the middle.

Synonyms

• Thoroughly cooked (for food).
• Skillfully executed, expertly performed, admirably accomplished (for tasks).

Antonyms

• Rare or underdone (for meat).
• Poorly done, sloppily executed (for tasks).

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Well done is better than well said.": A proverb meaning that taking good action is more valuable than just talking about it.
• "A job well done": A common phrase to acknowledge satisfactory completion of work.
  • Let's celebrate a job well done.

Adjective

1. (meat) cooked until there is no pink meat left inside