good for
Idioms-
Beneficial to, as in Milk is good for children . [Tenth century a.d. ]
-
Financially reliable, able to pay or repay, as in They know he's good for a big tip . [Mid-1800s]
-
Able to serve or continue to function, as in This furniture's good for at least ten more years , or I hope you're not tired—I'm good for another three miles or so . [Mid-1800s]
-
Equivalent in value; also, valid for. For example, These coupons are good for a 20 percent discount , or This contract is good for the entire life of the book . [Second half of 1800s]
-
good for someone . An expression of approval, as in Good for Bill—he's sold the car , or Good for you! You passed the exam . This usage differs from the others in that orally a slight emphasis is placed on you or whoever is being mentioned. [Mid-1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That, in theory, should have been good for its bonds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
"It's good for morale," he says, adding it will be worth it even if Monday isn't a particularly productive day overall.
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026
Living here has certainly been good for his acting career.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026
Whether that is good for American democracy remains to be seen.
From Salon ● Jul. 2, 2026
She was standing beside a gnarly oak with knotholes that made it good for climbing—I’d climbed it myself many a day.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
