acquisitive

[ uh-kwiz-i-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or seeking to acquire and own, often greedily; eager to get wealth, possessions, etc.:

   our acquisitive impulses; acquisitive societies.

   Synonyms: avaricious, grasping, covetous

acquisitive

/ əˈkwɪzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. inclined or eager to acquire things, esp material possessions

   we currently live in an acquisitive society

Derived Forms

• acˈquisitively, adverb
• acˈquisitiveness, noun

Other Words From

• ac·quisi·tive·ly adverb
• ac·quisi·tive·ness noun
• nonac·quisi·tive adjective
• nonac·quisi·tive·ly adverb
• nonac·quisi·tive·ness noun
• preac·quisi·tive adjective
• preac·quisi·tive·ly adverb
• preac·quisi·tive·ness noun
• unac·quisi·tive adjective
• unac·quisi·tive·ly adverb
• unac·quisi·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquisitive¹

1630–40; < Medieval Latin, Late Latin acquīsītīvus; acquisition, -ive

Example Sentences

"We are doing all we can to reduce thefts and pursue offenders, especially those prolific and habitual offenders, who cause misery within the community," said Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, the NPCC’s lead for acquisitive crime.

From BBC

The research, carried out by crime analysts at Opal, the National Crime Intelligence Unit for Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime, also suggested that metal theft from historic places of worship had increased during the Covid-19 lockdowns, but had since fallen again following enforcement action.

From BBC

By confronting the emptiness of consumerism, the Sex Pistols encourage listeners to get beyond object-oriented, acquisitive pursuits.

From Salon

The majority of the money will finance a specialist police team that will work within OPAL, the national policing division that oversees intelligence on serious organised acquisitive crime.

From BBC

Big Oil replaces Big Tech at the top of Friday's corporate diary, with recently acquisitive Exxon Mobil and Chevron due to report.

From Reuters

Related Words

• rapacious