goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

There's goodness in everyone.

They agreed to help out of the goodness of their hearts. [=because they are good and kind people]

2

—used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock

oh, my goodness!

goodness knows

3

: the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

the goodness of the vegetables

Synonyms of goodness

• integrity
• morality
• virtue
• honesty

Examples of goodness in a Sentence

Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!

a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the goodness of the final product justifies the effort. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

But Redick was always LeBron James’ choice, and now that James is gone — thank goodness! — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Top it off with its Best of Beauty-winning Atobarrier365 Cream to lock in all that moisturizing goodness, and then keep a bottle of the Atobarrier365 Cream Mist handy for midday refreshes. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

There is a challenge to trying to understand your own heart in the context of a relationship… and there is goodness in considering another heart, even in spite of your own. — Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing goodness

• for goodness' sake
• goodness knows
• goodness of fit
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord