Make Good – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever promised to fix a mistake, repay a debt, or follow through on a commitment—and then actually did it? Or watched someone turn a failure into a success through hard work? In English, you might say they made good. This meaningful phrasal verb means to fulfill a promise, compensate for a loss, or succeed after a difficult start.
What Does “Make Good” Mean?
“Make good” has a few related meanings, all centered on restoration, fulfillment, or redemption:
1. To fulfill a promise or obligation—like making good on a vow to help a friend.
2. To compensate for a loss or mistake—such as a company making good on a damaged order by sending a replacement.
3. (Less common, often “make good on”) To achieve success after hardship—like an underdog who “made good” despite the odds.
Think of it as turning words or wrongs into right actions. The phrase isn’t about “good” as in “nice”—it’s about integrity and follow-through.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or professional conversations when discussing accountability, trust, or redemption. It’s common in customer service (“We’ll make good on your claim”), personal stories (“He made good on his promise”), or career journeys (“She came from nothing and made good”). This phrasal verb is slightly formal but widely understood—great for real-life English.
Example Sentences
- The store made good on the defective laptop by giving me a new one.
- He made good on his promise to support her through college.
- After years of struggle, she finally made good in the film industry.
- Don’t just apologize—make good by fixing what you broke.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did the contractor finish the repair?”
Jamie: “Yes! He made good on his word—showed up at 7 a.m. and fixed it all.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “make good” with “do good” (which means to perform kind acts) or “make it good” (which isn’t standard). Also, “make good” often appears as “make good on [a promise/claim]”—especially in American English.
❌ Don’t say: “I’ll make good a mistake.” (Awkward phrasing.)
✅ Do say: “I’ll make good on my mistake” or “I’ll make it right.”
Practice Tip
Next time you follow through on a promise or hear about a business fixing a problem, say: “They made good on it.” It’s a natural, trustworthy way to show accountability in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “make good” to talk about integrity, repair, and redemption with clarity and strength! It’s a phrase that honors keeping your word and making things right. Keep using it—and remember, the best promises are the ones you make good on.
