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.
In the wake of the arrest, many social media users have cast Mangione as a martyr against corporate greed or used the shooting to criticize the health insurance industry. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Those details are worth bearing in mind as some people seek to cast his killing as a tale of justified, or at least understandable, fury against faceless corporate greed. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024 Reactions to healthcare boss’ killing highlights public’s disgust W/ corporate greed Niall Stanage delivers monologue on the reaction to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione. The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024 Thompson's killing had sparked a national debate about the unfairness of the healthcare insurance industry and corporate greed, with some taking to social media to blast UnitedHealthcare's practices and celebrating the gunman as a folk hero. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 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 21 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!