greed

noun

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed
greed for money and power

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.
Our brains evolved to spot danger, not to manage portfolios, and the instincts that once kept us alive now push us towards panic and greed. Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025 There’s no tragic backstory here, no traumatic childhood event that turned Murdaugh into a killer, no motivators past greed. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 This specific quiet theater of greed, luck, and deceit is likely over. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 For decades, they have been disillusioned by the cynicism, intellectual narrowness and greed of the corporate academy, which chose profit over principles while providing knowledge without conscience, skill without reflection, and schooling without heart. MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2025.

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: - Definition revised
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