goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in business contexts to refer to the positive reputation or value of a company that is not tied to its physical assets. Example: "The acquisition of the company included a significant amount of goodwill, reflecting its strong brand and customer loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At times the level of support and goodwill, locally and beyond, is overwhelming.

The Guardian - Books

The government of Sri Lanka decided to accept this "gesture of goodwill" and to not "pursue this distasteful issue any further", while carefully ignoring additional inclusions in the statement that "numerous cases of rape and sexual violence in Sri Lanka, particularly acts committed against women held in detention by the government", have been detailed in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's very much goodwill across the aisle and the chamber on getting this done this year," she said.

The Guardian

There is public goodwill if there is decisive and visionary leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can feel like the whole thing is run on goodwill But this is my final day here, and I don't want to end it sitting in an office.

The Guardian

So, cocooned in the goodwill they enjoy, they are left very much to their own practices.

The Guardian

The goodwill that they traditionally enjoyed had been sacrificed – as had the chances of winning an entirely justified dispute – by the NUM's indefensible decision not to ballot its members before the strike began.

The Guardian

But, on this occasion, EE has satisfactorily reinstated the old number, apologised and agreed to make you a payment as a gesture of goodwill to make up for the inconvenience.

The Guardian - Money

Enduring constitutions nevertheless require three essential things: first, a general recognition that there is a problem that needs solving; second, a shared willingness to produce a shared outcome; and, third, a degree of readiness and goodwill to make that outcome a lasting settlement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"GNM IPR" means trademarks and service marks, registered designs and design rights, copyright and all similar rights anywhere in the world, and any and all goodwill and know-how associated with the afore-going; 1.3.

The Guardian

Such expressions of goodwill after an Old Firm game?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or financial contexts, use "goodwill" precisely, understanding its specific accounting definition related to acquisitions and the excess purchase price over fair value.

Common error

Avoid using "goodwill" as a general term for any positive feeling. Reserve it for situations involving established reputation, business valuation, or strategic intent, not for simple acts of kindness or fleeting positive emotions.

Linguistic Context

The term "goodwill" primarily functions as a noun, representing either a positive disposition or, more commonly, an intangible asset in business. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, from expressing support to denoting a company's brand value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goodwill" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either a positive attitude or a business's intangible asset value. As Ludwig examples indicate, it's frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms the grammatical correctness of the term. While its meaning is typically clear, be mindful of the scope, reserving it for established reputation or business valuations rather than fleeting positive emotions. Remember that context is key to differentiate between "good will" (two words, referring to a friendly attitude) and "goodwill" (one word, often referring to a business asset).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorable attitude

Focuses on the positive disposition aspect of goodwill.

positive regard

Emphasizes the respectful and appreciative element.

brand reputation

Highlights the value associated with a business's image.

customer loyalty

Focuses on the aspect of repeat business and positive customer relations.

positive intent

Emphasizes the underlying motivation of kindness and support.

commercial value

Highlights the economic advantage beyond tangible assets.

community standing

Focuses on the influence within a particular group or area.

favorable relations

Highlights positive connections and interactions.

kindly disposition

Emphasizes a helpful and supportive attitude.

reputation and influence

Combines both the image and the ability to affect others.

FAQs

How is "goodwill" typically used in business?

"Goodwill" in business refers to the intangible assets of a company, such as its brand reputation and customer relationships, that contribute to its overall value. It's often calculated during acquisitions as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the tangible assets.

What's the difference between "good will" and "goodwill"?

"Good will" (two words) usually means a friendly or helpful attitude toward someone. "Goodwill" (one word) often refers to an intangible asset in accounting, representing the value of a company's brand, customer relationships, etc., beyond its physical assets. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to using "goodwill" in a business context?

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "brand reputation", "brand value", or "customer loyalty".

Is "goodwill" only used in a business context?

While "goodwill" is frequently used in business, it can also refer to a general feeling of friendliness or helpfulness, similar to "positive regard" or "favorable attitude". However, the business/accounting usage is more common.