Well-done describes something completed with skill, care, and high quality. When your teacher writes “Well done!” on your science project, she's recognizing that you put real effort into it and did excellent work. A well-done book report shows careful reading and thoughtful analysis, the kind of work that demonstrates real understanding of the text.

The term literally means “done well,” and it emphasizes both the completion and the quality of the work. A half-finished painting isn't well-done, even if the parts you completed look beautiful. Similarly, a rushed assignment turned in on time isn't well-done if it's sloppy and careless.

You'll also hear well-done describe how thoroughly meat is cooked. A well-done steak has been cooked all the way through with no pink remaining in the middle, unlike a rare steak that's red and juicy inside. Some people prefer their burgers well-done for safety reasons, while others like them cooked less.

The phrase works as both an adjective (That was a well-done presentation) and as an exclamation of praise (Well done!). When someone tells you “well done,” they're acknowledging that you completed something and did it right.