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.
California For Subscribers The Mexican Mafia Tapes: Secret recordings reveal greed, betrayal — and a deal with the feds Sept. 4, 2024 Stinson had already been serving a life sentence for murdering a drug dealer in 1979. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, some ski industry observers say Vail's reluctance to increase patroller pay was part of a larger pattern of greed in a business largely controlled by two companies in North America: Vail, which runs 42 ski resorts worldwide, and the smaller Alterra, which operates 12. Erin Alberty, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 The hero represents the greed and cynicism of the Beltway; his consultancy specializes in studies that help one U.S. military service make a case for a new weapon—while providing another service with the case against the weapon. Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Orlok is draped in the traditional clothing of a Transylvanian nobleman, and like most vampires, also represents the unquenchable greed of the wealthy and powerful. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 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 20 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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