Greed: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for an excessive desire for more, especially for wealth or material possessions, often criticized as a selfish trait.

• His greed for money led him to engage in dishonest activities.
• The greed of the company's executives caused the business to collapse.

Intense, insatiable desire for wealth or material gain, with a strong focus on the moral failing. This term is often used in formal or literary contexts.

• The legend speaks of a king whose avarice knew no bounds, leading to his eventual downfall.
• Her avarice made her hoard riches without ever enjoying them.

Desires to possess something that belongs to someone else, often accompanied by envy and the notion of committing a wrong.

• His covetousness for his friend's luxury car was obvious.
• Covetousness can lead to unethical decisions and strained relationships.

Extreme greediness that leads to aggressive and ruthless behavior, often highlighted in contexts involving exploitation or force.

• The rapacity of the invaders left the land in ruins.
• Corporate rapacity can endanger the environment and local communities.

Used to describe an excessive desire for more than one needs or deserves, often related to wealth or food. It can be applied in everyday situations to refer to a person's behavior.

• His greed for money led him to make unethical decisions
• The child's greed for sweets was evident when he grabbed all the candies

Typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe an intense, insatiable desire for wealth. It often carries a more negative connotation than 'greed'.

• The king's avarice caused the suffering of his people
• Her avarice was well-known, and people avoided doing business with her

Generally applied in moral or ethical discussions to denote a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It can relate to wealth, possessions, or even intangible attributes like status.

• His covetousness for his neighbor's property led to a long legal battle
• She couldn't hide her covetousness for her sister's success

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe an aggressive and insatiable desire for wealth or possessions, often implying exploitation or violence. Has a strongly negative connotation.

• The rapacity of the invaders left the city in ruins
• His rapacity was evident in the way he ruthlessly acquired every piece of land he could

Greed is often used in a negative context to describe an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or power.

• His greed for money ended up destroying his relationships.
• Corporate greed can lead to unethical business practices.

Crave is typically used to describe a strong desire, often for food or a particular experience. It implies a strong, almost physical need for something.

• After the long hike, she craved a hot shower and a warm meal.
• He often craves sweets late at night.

Desire is a neutral term that can refer to a strong feeling of wanting something. It can be used for both tangible and intangible things.

• She has a strong desire to travel the world.
• His desire for knowledge drove him to read countless books.

Yearn often implies a deep, emotional longing for something, especially something that is hard to attain or distant.

• She yearned for her hometown after years of living abroad.
• He yearns to find true love someday.