diff --git a/src/libstd/thread.rs b/src/libstd/thread.rs
index 7d0df679591..4c7dcc8b9eb 100644
--- a/src/libstd/thread.rs
+++ b/src/libstd/thread.rs
@@ -635,7 +635,7 @@ impl Drop for JoinHandle {
 /// Due to platform restrictions, it is not possible to `Clone` this
 /// handle: the ability to join a child thread is a uniquely-owned
 /// permission.
-#[must_use]
+#[must_use = "thread will be immediately joined if `JoinGuard` is not used"]
 #[stable(feature = "rust1", since = "1.0.0")]
 pub struct JoinGuard<'a, T: 'a> {
     inner: JoinInner<T>,