Greediness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used generally to describe someone who wants more than they need, especially in terms of food or money.

• His greediness for power knew no bounds

Refers specifically to an insatiable desire for wealth or gains, often in a formal or literary context.

• The king's avarice led to the suffering of his subjects

Implies a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else, often with a moral judgment involved.

• His covetousness for his neighbor's wife caused a scandal

Conveys aggressive greed, especially when someone takes things by force or without concern for others, often used in historical or formal contexts.

• The rapacity of the warlords devastated the region

Use 'greediness' to describe an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, often viewed negatively.

• His greediness led him to make unethical business decisions

'Voraciousness' describes an intense eagerness or enthusiasm for consuming something, not limited to food. It can be used both positively and negatively depending on context.

• Her voraciousness for reading meant she finished the entire series in a week

Use 'gluttony' to describe excessive eating or drinking, often viewed as a moral failing.

• His gluttony at the buffet was unbelievable; he ate for hours

'Overeating' refers to eating more food than the body needs, typically in a casual context, without moral judgment.

• During the holidays, I always end up overeating and feeling stuffed