greed

noun

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

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The depravity of human greed at its most despicable and depraved on full display. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 And what began as a stark satire of greed, exploitation, and economic polarization has largely devolved into a cash-cow franchise like any other. Judy Berman, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024 Awards Questions of survival vs. greed take hold in the return of ‘Squid Game’ Dec. 17, 2024 Who are the contestants? Season 1 featured 456 contestants, all of whom wear numbered tracksuits. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Fain’s attacks on corporate greed resonated with Democratic Party leaders as companies cranked profit margins to record highs on the back of cost increases and fiscal stimulus prompted by the pandemic. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for greed 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near greed

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

greed

noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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