goodness
17 antonyms and opposites of goodness, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The quality or state of being good, morally or otherwise.
Antonyms
How to use goodness
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English gōdnes, built from "good" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness."
Full origin of goodness →Frequently asked questions
What does “goodness” mean?
The word “goodness” means the quality or state of being good, morally or otherwise. In plain terms, being good, or the wholesome part of something — also a polite stand-in for stronger exclamations.
How do you pronounce “goodness”?
“Goodness” is pronounced GUUD-nuhs (/ˈɡʊdnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “goodness” in a sentence?
Here is “goodness” used in a sentence: “His goodness showed in how patiently he treated everyone.”
What is another word for “goodness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goodness” include beneficence, dogoodery, good, heroism, virtue and virtuousness.
What is the opposite of “goodness”?
The opposite of “goodness” — its antonyms — are atrociousness, badness, corruptness, criminality and depravity.
What part of speech is “goodness”?
Depending on how it is used, “goodness” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “goodness” come from?
The word “goodness” comes from Old English. From Old English gōdnes, built from "good" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness.".
Is “goodness” a common word?
“Goodness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "goodness" and "kindness"?
"Kindness" refers specifically to being friendly, generous, and considerate toward others, while "goodness" is broader, covering overall moral virtue and good character. All kindness is goodness, but goodness also includes honesty, fairness, and other virtues.
Why do people say "goodness" as an exclamation?
In expressions like "goodness me!" or "thank goodness," the word acts as a mild, polite substitute for stronger exclamations, often standing in for "God." It conveys surprise, relief, or emphasis without causing offence.