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

Like, oh my goodness, is the business dying? —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025

Unlike God’s divine attributes, human power, knowledge, and goodness are imperfect. —JSTOR Daily, 13 Nov. 2025

With that in mind, Universal did extensive exit polling to assess the audience’s tolerance for all the pink-and-green goodness. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

So, thank goodness for the 3,000-plus volunteers who gathered in September at 68 cleanups from Oleta Park in the north to Homestead Bayfront Park in the south. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

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
• goodness of their hearts
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord