good for

1. Beneficial to, as in Milk is good for children . [Tenth century a.d. ]

2. Able to serve or continue to function, as in This furniture's good for at least ten more years , or I hope you're not tired—I'm good for another three miles or so . [Mid-1800s]

3. Financially reliable, able to pay or repay, as in They know he's good for a big tip . [Mid-1800s]

4. Equivalent in value; also, valid for. For example, These coupons are good for a 20 percent discount , or This contract is good for the entire life of the book . [Second half of 1800s]

5. good for someone . An expression of approval, as in Good for Bill—he's sold the car , or Good for you! You passed the exam . This usage differs from the others in that orally a slight emphasis is placed on you or whoever is being mentioned. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

The kid says, "That guide book is written by a bunch of lazy, good-for-nothing Indian beggars."

From The Daily Beast

I hope she will not turn good-for-nothing this ever so long.

From Project Gutenberg

With a penniless, out-at-elbows, good-for-nothing, you mean?

From Project Gutenberg

I congratulate myself, this time, on having secured a ‘good-for-something.’

From Project Gutenberg

Well, you're a coward, a good-for-nothing coward, and so is your big brother.

From Project Gutenberg

I never saw such a little awkward, good-for-nothing pair of hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accessible
• advantageous
• applicable
• conducive
• constructive
• convenient
• cooperative
• crucial
• essential
• favorable
• friendly
• important
• invaluable
• practical
• productive
• profitable
• significant
• suitable
• supportive
• sympathetic