good for
Idioms-
Beneficial to, as in Milk is good for children . [Tenth century a.d. ]
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Financially reliable, able to pay or repay, as in They know he's good for a big tip . [Mid-1800s]
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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]
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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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So why are IPOs good for a few and bad for others?
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
A handful of academic studies have analyzed retail investor day trading, and the results don’t look too good for day traders.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
Again, good for Monaco, where a responsive engine is a benefit, and top-end power is relatively less important.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
Demand for optical networking is good for all three.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
She was standing beside a gnarly oak with knotholes that made it good for climbing—I’d climbed it myself many a day.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
