public goods

British  

plural noun

1. services such as national defence, law enforcement, and road building, that are for the benefit of, and available to, all members of the public

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Example Sentences

That was from an international rules-based order, under “American hegemony,” which he said “helped provide public goods, open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security, and support for frameworks for resolving disputes.”

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

"This has left many farmers feeling frustrated and let down, with no clear opportunity to be rewarded for delivering public goods in the near future," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

Doctorow’s concept about online platforms has since been applied everywhere and anywhere you can find capitalism hollowing out public goods.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2024

Such goods are the only feasible way to improve the lives of your supporters, while also — by virtue of these being public goods — benefiting members of the opposition.

From Salon • Sep. 29, 2024

At all events, for a term of years, his personal prosperity depends upon the use he can make of his hold upon the public goods.

From An American Politician by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)