diff --git a/pkg/apis/cluster/v1alpha1/machine_types.go b/pkg/apis/cluster/v1alpha1/machine_types.go
index 60fd59ab1c1c..760c2e584fe0 100644
--- a/pkg/apis/cluster/v1alpha1/machine_types.go
+++ b/pkg/apis/cluster/v1alpha1/machine_types.go
@@ -57,9 +57,12 @@ type MachineSpec struct {
 	// +optional
 	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
 
-	// Taints is the full, authoritative list of taints to apply to the corresponding
-	// Node. This list will overwrite any modifications made to the Node on
-	// an ongoing basis.
+	// The list of the taints to be applied to the corresponding Node in additive
+	// manner. This list will not overwrite any other taints added to the Node on
+	// an ongoing basis by other entities. These taints should be actively reconciled
+	// e.g. if you ask the machine controller to apply a taint and then manually remove
+	// the taint the machine controller will put it back) but not have the machine controller
+	// remove any taints
 	// +optional
 	Taints []corev1.Taint `json:"taints,omitempty"`