goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

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

Synonyms

• 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

There are few people in human history whose last names alone are sufficient to conjure up kindness, goodness, wisdom, grace—Mandela, Gandhi, King, Lincoln. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 1 Oct. 2025

Any starchy side to soak up all the goodness! —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

Even then, each reversal in her short life was, for her, an ascent — driven by an unyielding hunger for absolute truth and goodness, crowned at last in God. —Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025

Check the thrift stores for some of that authentic antique goodness or shop your grandma’s closet. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 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
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord