goodness

UK: /ˈgʊdnɪs/ US: /ˈgʊdnɪs/ ,(gŏŏd′nis)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

good•ness /ˈgʊdnɪs/   n. [uncountable]

1. the state or quality of being good.
2. moral excellence;
   virtue.
3. kindness;
   generosity:
   volunteers out of the goodness of his heart.

interj. 

4. This word is used to express surprise, alarm, etc.:
   "Goodness! Late again!''

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

good•ness  (gŏŏd′nis), n. 

1. the state or quality of being good.
2. moral excellence;
   virtue.
3. kindly feeling;
   kindness;
   generosity.
4. excellence of quality:
   goodness of workmanship.
5. the best part of anything;
   essence;
   strength.
6. a euphemism for God:
   Thank goodness!

interj. 

7. (used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.):
   Goodness, you gave me a start! Goodness gracious!

• bef. 900; Middle English; Old English gōdnes. See good, -ness

Synonyms

• 2. integrity, honesty, uprightness, probity.
  Goodness, morality, virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem.
  Goodness is the simple word for the general quality recognized in character or conduct:
  Many could tell of her goodness and kindness.
  Morality implies conformity to the recognized standards of right conduct:
  a citizen of the highest morality.
  Virtue is a rather formal word, and suggests usually goodness that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences:
  of unassailable virtue; firm and of unwavering virtue.
• 3. benevolence, benignity, humanity.
• 4. worth, value.

Antonyms

• 1. badness, evil.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

goodness / ˈɡʊdnɪs/ noun

1. the state or quality of being good
2. generosity; kindness
3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

1. a euphemism for God: goodness knows!, thank goodness!