common good

American  

noun

• common goods
  plural

1. the advantage or benefit of all people in society or in a group.

   In spite of our differences, we shall work for the common good.

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common good British  

noun

1. the part of the property of a Scottish burgh, in the form of land or funds, that is at the disposal of the community

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• common goods
  plural

Etymology

Origin of common good

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

common good

He was a leading figure of the “Young England” movement that advocated for patricians to uphold a common good against business or political interests.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

For him, Hussein’s death was about fighting oppression, yes, but also about putting the common good of the faithful above one’s self.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

"I trust he will now reinvent cooperation among the willing for the common good of all," Lagarde wrote.

From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026

But his morality is not guided by ethics, humanism or respect for the common good.

From Salon ● Mar. 10, 2026

About eighty-five years ago they were told that they were free, united with others of our country in everything pertaining to the common good, and, in everything social, separate like the fingers of the hand.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison