greedy

greedy

adjective \ˈgrē-dē\

greed·i·ergreed·i·est

Definition of GREEDY

1

: having a strong desire for food or drink

2

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

3

: eager, keen <greedy for fame>

— greed·i·ly \ˈgrē-də-lē\ adverb

— greed·i·ness \ˈgrē-dē-nəs\ noun

Examples of GREEDY

1. He was a ruthless and greedy businessman.
2. There's no need to get greedy—there's plenty for everyone.
3. He blames all his problems on greedy lawyers.

Origin of GREEDY

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to GREEDY

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

apathetic, indifferent, uneager, unenthusiastic

Related Words

commercialistic, materialistic, philistine; desirous, eager, itchy, lickerish, miserly; hoggish, piggish, piggy, swinish; devouring, gluttonous, gobbling, insatiable, ravenous, unquenchable, voracious; egocentric, egoistic (also egoistical), egotistic (or egotistical), self-centered, self-seeking; discontent, discontented, malcontent, unsatisfied; begrudging, grudging, resentful

Near Antonyms

nonmaterialistic; altruistic, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, freehanded, generous, greathearted, handsome, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, openhanded, openhearted, selfless, unselfish, unsparing; controlled, moderate, restrained, temperate; content, sated, satisfied

See Synonym Discussion at covetous

Rhymes with GREEDY

beady, deedy, needy, reedy, seedy, speedy, tweedy, weedy