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

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Etymology

Origin of common good

First recorded in 1350–1400

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

common good

We demonstrated that a team built on good people — supportive people, people who hold values and principles that prioritize the common good over individual interests.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The statement set five principles as the moral architecture of the AI age: accuracy, transparency, privacy, security and the common good of human dignity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

Leo condemned "a deadly mix of obscure interests and indifference toward the common good, which has poisoned the natural and social environment".

From Barron's ● May 23, 2026

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

From BBC ● Apr. 26, 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

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