# good

/ˈɡʊd/ (US) · /ɡˈʊd/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/good
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

having the qualities you want or expect. It can describe something that is pleasant, high-quality, or morally right.

For teachers: Possessing positive or desirable qualities; of a high standard or morally right.

## Examples

- This is a good apple.
- He got a good grade on his test because he studied hard.
- While the short-term profits were high, the board questioned whether the decision was a good one for the company's long-term reputation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She speaks English good." but "She speaks English well." — To describe how an action is performed, use the adverb 'well', not the adjective 'good'. 'Good' describes nouns (people, places, things).

## Usage notes

- A core adjective, typically placed before the noun it modifies ('a good day') or after a linking verb ('the soup is good').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.