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• do-good
  do-good

  adjective

  of or befitting a do-gooder.
• do good
  do good

  Act in an upright, moral way; engage in philanthropy. For example, Social workers are trained to help people to help themselves, not simply going around doing good. This term was first recorded in a.d. 725. Also see do any good; do one good.

do-good

American  

[doo-good] / ˈduˌgʊd /

adjective

1. of or befitting a do-gooder.

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do good Idioms  

1. Act in an upright, moral way; engage in philanthropy. For example, Social workers are trained to help people to help themselves, not simply going around doing good. This term was first recorded in a.d. 725. Also see do any good; do one good.

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Etymology

Origin of do-good

First recorded in 1965–70; back formation from do-gooder

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

do-good do good

“It’s a do-good business, a do-good league,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said after the game.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 21, 2022

The pair, authorities contend, managed to parlay a do-good incentive to encourage solar investments into an $800-million fraud.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2019

All do-good groups should enforce the zero-tolerance sexual harassment policies most have on their books, and ensure these rules apply equally to their unpaid interns, board members and volunteers, as well as to paid staff.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 14, 2018

Organize a gaggle of do-gooders to go do-good.

From New York Times ● Dec. 22, 2017

“You weren’t going to get her. And we needed a new truck. I’m not a do-good fool—like them.”

From "Orbiting Jupiter" by Gary D. Schmidt

"It's crucial that when people raise money to do good things, they have confidence that that is what will happen," said Oliver.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Doctors take a Hippocratic oath to do good, not harm, and put their patients first.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

It might do harm; it might do good; it will likely do a bit of both to everyone it touches, and to different degrees.

From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2026

Harington: He’s one of the few characters who is actually trying to do good.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026

You’ve come far, and I believe that you will continue to do good work—whatever you choose to do with your life.

From "Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago" by LeAlan Jones