for the sake of

1. For the purpose or motive of, as in You like to quarrel only for the sake of an argument. [Early 1200s]

2. Also for one's sake . Out of consideration or regard for a person or thing; for someone's or something's advantage or good. For example, For Jill's sake we did not serve meat , or We have to stop fighting for the sake of family unity . [Early 1200s]

3. for God's sake . Also for goodness or heaven's or Pete's or pity's sake . An exclamation showing surprise, impatience, anger, or some other emotion, depending on the context. For example, For God's sake, I didn't expect to see you here , or Hurry up, for goodness sake , or For heaven's sake, how can you say such a mean thing? or For pity's sake, finish your dinner . The variants are euphemisms for God. [c. 1300] For a synonym, see for the love of , def. 2.

Example Sentences

Of course, all of this is a crass exercise on the part of America’s financial class, a heaping sacrifice of vulnerable Americans and democratic bulwarks for the sake of “number go up.”

From Slate

"We must see change, for the sake of survivors, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the good of the Church."

From BBC

“We will safeguard the heart of the republic – freedom,” she vowed, and urged Americans to rise above ideology for the sake of the country.

From BBC

“Relative to other social issues, child care is one where we may see more openness to more spending for the sake of making things easier for American families.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.”

From Los Angeles Times