public good
A 'public good' refers to resources or services that are available to all members of a community without reducing their availability to others, often provided by the government.
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Definition
C1Economics
(technical, academic)A product or service that multiple people can use simultaneously without reducing its availability, and from which no one can be excluded.
Example
- Clean air is a public good because everyone can breathe it without limiting its availability to others.
- National defense is considered a public good as it protects all citizens without diminishing its protective effect.
B2Sociology
(general, government)Resources or services provided to benefit the general welfare of the community.
Example
- Public parks are maintained as public goods to ensure everyone has access to green spaces.
- Public goods like street lighting enhance the safety and quality of life for all residents.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "public good":
common goodpublic servicepure goodpublic utilitypublic interest