Mercenary: meaning, definitions and examples

This term describes someone primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics or morals, often used in a negative light.

• His mercenary attitude toward the charity work disappointed everyone

This word describes someone who has an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, often without regard to ethics or the needs of others. It is strongly negative.

• The greedy landlord refused to spend any money on repairs

This term describes someone who is focused on making a profit, often in a business context. It is not necessarily negative unless a lack of ethics is implied.

• The company's profit-oriented strategy led to increased revenue this quarter

This word describes someone who acts in their own interest, sometimes at the expense of others. It can be seen negatively if it suggests selfishness.

• His self-interested decisions caused friction within the team

This word is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is primarily motivated by personal gain, especially money, rather than loyalty or a cause.

• He was nothing but a mercenary, driven by money rather than morals.
• The mercenary fought for the highest bidder, caring little about the reasons behind the conflict.

This term has a romantic or adventurous connotation and refers to someone who fights in various places for personal gain or as a lifestyle choice. It often portrays a sense of adventure and risk.

• As a soldier of fortune, he traveled the world in search of new battles and opportunities.
• She lived the life of a soldier of fortune, taking part in conflicts across different continents.

Often used in a negative or casual context, this phrase can refer to someone who is employed to do dangerous or illicit tasks, typically for money. It focuses on the transactional nature of the arrangement.

• He's just a hired gun, brought in to do the dirty work.
• The corporation hired a gun to deal with its rivals.

This term is more neutral and can refer to a soldier who offers their military services independently without being part of a usual army. It emphasizes independence and the professional aspect of the soldier.

• After leaving the army, he became a freelance soldier, offering his skills to those who needed them.
• The freelance soldier took up various missions, traveling from one conflict zone to another.

Often used to describe someone or something participating in an activity solely for financial gain, without regard for principles or ethics. Typically has a negative connotation.

• His mercenary actions in the charity scandalized everyone involved.
• The mercenary attitude of some professionals can ruin the industry.

Describes someone who has an excessive desire for more than what they need, usually referring to money, food, or power. Strongly negative connotation.

• The greedy CEO took home millions while the workers struggled.
• His greedy behavior at the buffet embarrassed his friends.

Describes someone who acts to benefit themselves at the expense of others. Negative connotation.

• The government's self-serving policies only helped the wealthy.
• Her self-serving attitude isolated her from her colleagues.

Refers to someone who is very focused on making and saving money. Not necessarily negative but can imply a lack of attention to other aspects of life.

• Being money-minded, she always looked for investment opportunities.
• His money-minded nature meant that he rarely spent on luxuries.