good·ness 
/ˈgʊdnəs/ noun
/ˈgʊdnəs/ noun [noncount] 1 : the quality or state of being good: such as a : the quality or state of being kind, honest, generous, helpful, etc.
▪ I believe there is (some) goodness in everyone. ▪ Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite! ▪ She agreed to help him out of the goodness of her heart. [=because she is a kind and generous person]
b : the quality or state of being useful or effective
▪ If you cook the vegetables too long, they'll lose all their (natural) goodness. 2 — used to express mild surprise or shock ▪ Goodness, it's hot out today! ▪ Goodness (only) knows how it happened. ▪ “Did you stop them?” “Goodness (gracious), no!” ▪ Oh, my goodness! ◊People use I swear to goodness, I hope to goodness, or I wish to goodness to add force to a statement.
▪ I wish to goodness that you would hurry up!
▪ I believe there is (some) goodness in everyone. ▪ Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite! ▪ She agreed to help him out of the goodness of her heart. [=because she is a kind and generous person]
b : the quality or state of being useful or effective
▪ If you cook the vegetables too long, they'll lose all their (natural) goodness.
▪ I wish to goodness that you would hurry up!
for goodness' sake
— used to express surprise or annoyance ▪ Will you hurry up, for goodness' sake?
goodness knows — see 1know
