greater good

greater good

1. The benefit of the public, of more people than oneself (especially if it requires some expense or sacrifice).

   Cutting pensions is for the greater good of all citizens.

   • 1740, George Turnbull, The Principles of Moral Philosophy: In Two Volumes, volume II, London: J. Noon, page 49:

     Moral powers therefore, and their improvements, must be the chief object of that infinitely good being's care and concern, whole scope in creating is the greater good of the whole.

   • 1824, Luke, “The self-denial of the Lord Jesus Christ”, in The Christian Magazine, volume I, Providence: Barnum Field, page 183:

     They are perfectly satisfied with the greater good for which they sacrifice the less good.

• common good

• “the greater good” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.