greedy

adjective

ˈgrē-dē 

greedier; greediest

1

: marked by greed : having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions

greedy creditors

2

: eager, keen

greedy for fame

3

: having a strong desire for food or drink

a predator greedy of its prey

greedily

ˈgrē-də-lē 

adverb

greediness

ˈgrē-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• acquisitive
• avaricious
• avid
• coveting
• covetous
• grabby
• grasping
• mercenary
• moneygrubbing
• rapacious

Choose the Right Synonym for greedy

covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions.

covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions.

covetous of his brother's country estate

greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire.

greedy for status symbols

acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep.

an eagerly acquisitive mind

grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means.

a hard grasping businesswoman who cheated her associates

avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess.

an avaricious miser

Examples of greedy in a Sentence

He was a ruthless and greedy businessman.

There's no need to get greedy—there's plenty for everyone.

He blames all his problems on greedy lawyers.

Recent Examples on the Web

How inflation is impacting America Are greedy companies to blame for grocery inflation? —Juweek Adolphe, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025

The internal struggle is real: push too hard and risk being perceived as greedy, or settle for less and face future regret. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025

Scanty sentences for these greedy big shots do little to deter crooked behavior in the future. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gredy, from Old English grǣdig; akin to Old High German grātac greedy

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

greedy

adjective

ˈgrēd-ē 

greedier; greediest

1

: having a keen appetite

2

: having an eager and often selfish desire or longing

greedy for praise

3

: wanting more than one needs or more than one's fair share (as of food)

greedily

ˈgrēd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

greediness

ˈgrēd-ē-nəs 

noun