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

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

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

Instead of erecting burdensome bureaucratic roadblocks that would stifle progress, we should encourage responsible innovation that serves human dignity and the common good.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 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