Phrase guide

for goodness' sake

prep_phrase · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Canada, US: /fɔɹ ˈɡʊdnəs seɪk/
  • Received-Pronunciation, UK: /fə ˈɡʊdnəs seɪk/

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: euphemistic, idiomatic

Examples

  • For goodness' sake, get off the computer! You've been on there for ages!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Used to express surprise or amazement.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: euphemistic, idiomatic

Examples

  • For goodness' sake, I spelled that word correctly. I never knew I could do that.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

Used for emphasis

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: euphemistic, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A minced version of for God's sake.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: herra paratkoon — used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance
  • Finnish: Herran tähden — used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance
  • Irish: as ucht Dé — used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance
  • Polish: na miłość boską — used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance
  • Polish: na litość boską — used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance
  • Finnish: hyvänen aika — used to express surprise or amazement
  • Finnish: herra paratkoon — used to express surprise or amazement
  • Irish: as ucht Dé — used to express surprise or amazement
  • Polish: na miłość boską — used to express surprise or amazement
  • Polish: na litość boską — used to express surprise or amazement
  • Finnish: Herran tähden — used for emphasis
  • Finnish: herra paratkoon — used for emphasis
  • Polish: na miłość boską — used for emphasis
  • Polish: na litość boską — used for emphasis