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

The idea was to find these extraordinary men, put them in charge, and align policies with their understanding of the common good.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

But his morality is not guided by ethics, humanism or respect for the common good.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 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

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