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

"When they start dredging the river and causing pollution, the river will cease to be a common good for all humanity and will become the property of a single individual," demonstrator Thiago Guarani told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 21, 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

"Been working for the common good? Splendid. I want you to do that every morning."

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway