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

Many of the grants fund cost-effective and life-saving information access efforts that educate ordinary North Koreans on the goodness of the U.S. and the truth about the outside world. —Olivia Enos, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

With all of these dirty dishes, thank goodness for the convenience of dishwashers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

New & Noteworthy Indulge in the smooth, creamy goodness of HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate packed with rich, gooey caramel. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

How else to explain the perversity of releasing the soul-shredding 28 Days Later and then, right after, delivering a sweetly hopeful family film about people’s inherent goodness? —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 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