English Reference

Word

goods

US/ˈɡʊdz/

UK/ɡˈʊdz/

Definitions

01products for sale

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Economics

n. items that are made to be bought and sold.

n. merchandise or possessions; items produced for trade and consumption.

“The shop sells a wide range of leather goods, including bags and belts.”

“The global supply chain was disrupted, leading to a significant shortage of consumer goods across several major retail sectors.”

Antonyms

02freight

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun British English

n. items that are carried by a train, truck, or ship, rather than people.

n. freight or cargo transported by road, rail, or sea, as distinct from passengers.

“A goods train blocked the tracks for several hours after the engine failed.”

“The station was originally designed to handle both passengers and heavy goods, though the freight yard has since been converted into a car park.”

Antonyms

03the truth or evidence

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Informal

n. the real facts or evidence about someone, especially if they have done something wrong.

n. incriminating evidence or the authentic facts regarding a situation or person.

“The police finally got the goods on the thief after finding the stolen money.”

“The investigative journalist spent months undercover, eventually delivering the goods on the company's illegal waste disposal practices.”

04talent or quality

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Informal

n. the skills or qualities needed to do a job well.

n. the necessary ability, quality, or competence required for a specific task.

“The new striker really has the goods and scored three goals in his first game.”

“Despite his lack of formal experience, the board felt the candidate had the goods to lead the firm through the upcoming merger.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “goods” in context.

Verb

01. deliver the goods

“The courier promised to deliver the goods to our house by tomorrow morning.”

verb + noun

02. export goods

“The country exports goods such as coffee and sugar to many parts of the world.”

verb + noun

03. produce goods

“This local factory produces goods for several international clothing brands.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. damaged goods

“The shop offered a discount because the box contained damaged goods.”

adj + noun

05. electrical goods

“The store sells a wide range of electrical goods, including toasters and kettles.”

adj + noun

06. luxury goods

“Many people enjoy buying luxury goods like designer watches when they have extra money.”

adj + noun

Noun

07. consumer goods

“Prices for everyday consumer goods have increased significantly this year.”

noun + noun

08. flow of goods

“The new trade agreement will help improve the flow of goods between the two nations.”

noun + of + noun

Idioms

Domains

BusinessEconomics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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