Greed, Defined

noun \ˈgrēd\

Definition of greed

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed motivated by naked ambition and greed

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Examples of greed in a sentence

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed.

don't let greed for riches control you

Origin and Etymology of greed

back-formation from greedy


First Known Use: 1609
greed Synonyms
Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness, greediness, mercenariness, rapaciousness, rapacity
Related Words
commercialism, materialism, possessiveness; gluttonousness, gluttony, piggishness; appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, ravenousness, thirst, voracity, yearning, yen; egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, selfishness, self-regard
Near Antonyms
contentment, fulfillment (or fulfilment), gratification, satisfaction; bounteousness, bountifulness, bounty, charity, generosity, generousness, largesse (also largess), liberality, magnanimity, openhandedness, openheartedness, unselfishness; altruism, selflessness