Faustian

[ fou-stee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Faust:

   a Faustian novel.

2. sacrificing spiritual values for power, knowledge, or material gain:

   a Faustian pact with the Devil.

3. characterized by spiritual dissatisfaction or torment.
4. possessed with a hunger for knowledge or mastery.

ˈFaustian

/ ˈfaʊstɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Faust, esp reminiscent of his bargain with the devil

Word History and Origins

Origin of Faustian¹

First recorded in 1875–80; Faust + -ian

Example Sentences

But the way in which he gives his loved ones up for dead is either an acceptance of futility or a compromise of conscience even more chilling than Riefenstahl’s Faustian pact with Hitler.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Apprentice,” which is labeled as inspired by true events, portrays Trump’s dealings with Cohn as a Faustian bargain that guided his rise as a businessman and, later, as a politician.

From Seattle Times

"The first payment has come due for our Faustian Aerosol Bargain."

From Salon

It’s almost like this Faustian bargain that I didn’t sign up for, that I don’t want.

From Los Angeles Times

However President Jokowi need only look next door, at the Philippines, to see how such a Faustian arrangement can fall apart.

From BBC