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.
Crashes, bubbles, greed, fear—it’s all been done before. David Materazzi, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 This Orwellian hypocrisy is the madness that develops from decades of greed, corruption, moral failure and cultural anomie. Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 And once again, all the money in the world can’t save him from paying a price for his greed. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2025 Barry offers audiences entry into a sinister world driven by greed, power and the desire to subjugate others. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

greed

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

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

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