greed

greed · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food.

  2. 2.

    Excessive desire to acquire or possess more than one needs.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    greed is good — a controversial phrase suggesting self-interest benefits society
  • •
    consumed by greed — completely dominated by selfish desire
  • •
    greed knows no bounds — insatiable appetite for more

Related words

Antonyms: altruism, generosity, selflessness
See also: avarice, covetousness, greedy
Synonyms: avarice, covetousness, cupidity, rapacity

Etymology

A back-formation from greedy, from Old English grǣdig ("voracious, covetous").