common good

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of common good

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

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

A lot of them just retired a couple of years ago, and they contributed to the common good.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

"But he wanted to be better and for the team to be better, for the common good and because he wanted to keep winning. He had the dream of winning another Champions League."

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

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