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

Last month, Times columnist Steve Lopez questioned the city’s progress, writing, “I don’t see it. Not for the sake of those who are badly addicted and flirt with death each day, and not for the sake of residents and merchants who need some relief.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the sake of our air, water, and public health, we must ensure our solutions work for everyone, not just for those who profit from pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

“But what I can tell you very clearly is that the office of Hamas in Doha was created for the sake of the negotiating process. Obviously, when there is no mediation process, the office itself doesn’t have any function.”

From BBC

Lysenko benefited from Stalin’s suspicion of and hostility toward scientific experts, whom his henchmen denigrated as “enemies of the people” for their defense of “pure science for the sake of science.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Shoegaze is great for how emotional the music can get. Writing things that actually come from the heart is a lot more important than trying to write a song for the sake of going viral.”

From Los Angeles Times