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

"We must resolve that AI is used for the global common good."

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

"That is where people come together, it is where you will find our common good and that is where we will discover once again the courage in each other."

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

He talked about democracy and good citizenship and about a good world where everyone did the best he could for the common good of all.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith