Explanation
No. Growth in gross domestic product measures an increase in economic output, not an improvement in every person's life. Even inflation-adjusted growth does not establish that everyone benefits.
The IMF explains that GDP does not describe how output is distributed among residents and leaves out important aspects of welfare, including leisure and environmental costs. The OECD likewise says GDP cannot establish whether life overall is improving or for whom.
GDP remains useful for tracking economic activity. Assessing well-being requires additional evidence about people's material circumstances, health, safety and other living conditions. A growing economy and unequal improvements in people's lives can coexist.
Key takeaway
Economic growth and improvements in well-being are related but distinct. GDP alone cannot show how benefits are shared.