greed

[ greed ]

noun

1. excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions.

   Synonyms: rapacity, ravenousness, covetousness, voracity, cupidity, avidity, avarice

   Antonyms: generosity

greed

/ ɡriːd /

noun

1. excessive consumption of or desire for food; gluttony
2. excessive desire, as for wealth or power

Derived Forms

• ˈgreedless, adjective

Other Words From

• greedless adjective
• greedsome adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of greed¹

First recorded in 1600–10; back formation from greedy

Word History and Origins

Origin of greed¹

C17: back formation from greedy

Synonym Study

Greed, greediness denote an excessive, extreme desire for something, often more than one's proper share. Greed means avid desire for gain or wealth (unless some other application is indicated) and is definitely uncomplimentary in implication: His greed drove him to exploit his workers. Greediness, when unqualified, suggests a craving for food; it may, however, be applied to all avid desires, and need not be always uncomplimentary: greediness for knowledge, fame, praise.

Example Sentences

“Those small things, if you add them up in the cumulative effect ... that would add up to like a whole attitudinal change for me. People are going to give you more or offer many, many things to you. And I think when you become accustomed to all of that, that’s where greed follows.”

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, Harris didn’t directly attack corporate greed enough.

From Salon

Cinderella, however, ruined the coronation by proving mentality is still more valuable than money, grit can still beat greed and the magic of pixie dust should never be underestimated.

From Los Angeles Times

At the same time as Harris wasn’t offering direct relief from high prices, she ceased attacking corporate greed and big business for ripping off Americans and keeping prices high.

From Slate

When faced with the options of chaos, greed, and anger or relative common sense—the kind wielded by a competent, qualified Black woman—voters overwhelmingly chose the former.

From Slate

Related Words

• avarice
• excess
• gluttony
• hunger
• longing
• selfishness