Greedy: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe someone who wants more than they need, especially in terms of food or money. This term can be used in both casual conversation and more serious contexts.

• She's so greedy, she took the last piece of cake even though others wanted some.
• The company's greedy practices led to a public outcry.

A more formal or literary synonym for 'greedy'. It describes someone with an extreme and selfish desire for wealth or material gain. Often used in more serious contexts or writing.

• The avaricious king amassed treasures beyond measure while his people starved.
• His avaricious nature prevented him from ever sharing his fortune with others.

Focuses on a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else. This word is often used in contexts where envy and jealousy are implied.

• He cast a covetous glance at his neighbor's new car.
• Her covetous attitude caused a rift among friends.

Used to describe someone who is aggressively greedy or grasping, especially in ways that harm others. Often carries a very negative connotation.

• The rapacious exploitation of natural resources has devastating effects on the environment.
• Rapacious landlords charged exorbitant rents for run-down apartments.

This word is often used to describe someone who wants more than they need, especially money, power, or food. It has a negative connotation.

• The greedy CEO took all the profits for himself.
• She was too greedy and took more than her fair share of the cake.

Used to describe someone who has a strong appetite, not just for food but for other activities as well, like reading or learning. It can be neutral or positive depending on the context.

• He had a voracious appetite for knowledge and read every book he could find.
• She was a voracious eater, always finishing her meals quickly.

Used to describe someone who eats or drinks excessively. It focuses on an overindulgence in food and drink and has a negative connotation.

• The gluttonous man ate three times more than anyone else at the party.
• Her gluttonous habits led to serious health problems.

This word describes extreme hunger to the point where someone wants to eat immediately and in large quantities. It is more intense than 'hungry' but generally not negative.

• After hiking all day, they were ravenous and devoured everything on the table.
• The children came home ravenous and headed straight to the kitchen.

Use this word to describe someone who wants more than their fair share, especially of money, food, or possessions. It often carries a negative connotation, implying selfishness.

• He was so greedy, he took all the cookies for himself.
• The company faced criticism for its greedy business practices.

This word describes something that moves quickly or happens in a short amount of time. It can be positive or neutral, depending on the context.

• She runs very fast.
• The fast service at the restaurant impressed everyone.

This word is used to describe something that is not correct or exact. It typically has a negative connotation, especially in contexts where precision is important.

• The report was inaccurate and needed revisions.
• His data was found to be inaccurate, leading to mistaken conclusions.