What does greed mean?
Greed is the noun for an excessive, often selfish desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or wants. It usually implies that the desire governs conduct: a person driven by greed may hoard money, exploit others, take unfair advantage, or pursue power without regard for harm. Because greed is judged negatively, it is more often used to accuse someone of wanting too much than to describe ordinary ambition. The closely related adjective greedy describes a person, act, or motive, while greed can also refer more broadly to insatiable appetite, including figurative cravings for food, attention, or status. In British and American English, the word is common in moral, political, and economic discussion, especially in debates about corporate conduct, inequality, and personal responsibility. Its long history—already present in Old English—shows that concern over excessive desire is not merely a modern complaint about capitalism or consumer culture. Greed remains useful because it captures not simply having wants, but wanting in a way that becomes excessive, morally suspect, or destructive to others.
Excessive or uncontrolled desire for wealth, possessions, food, power, or another valued thing, especially when pursued selfishly.
"His greed for money led him to betray his friends."
Generally used as a mass noun, though the plural greedS is grammatically possible and occurs rarely.
To eat or consume greedily or ravenously.
"The hungry children greeded the food as soon as it was served."
Rare and archaic in modern English; the form greedy or the phrase eat greedily is normally preferred.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon because greed is normally treated as an uncountable or mass noun.
"The novel portrays the rival's greed as one of several destructive vices."
Old English already had the word for excessive desire—long before modern debates over corporate greed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does greed come from?
Greed entered Middle English from Old English grǣd, an inherited Germanic word associated with excessive desire or appetite. Its relatives include Dutch gier, German Gier, and Icelandic græði. The precise Indo-European source of the Germanic root is uncertain, so deeper claims about its origin should be made cautiously.
Related word forms
How greed is actually used
The word normally carries a strongly negative moral judgment. It describes more than ordinary ambition or a strong desire, because it suggests excessive, selfish, or uncontrolled wanting. As a verb, it is archaic and rarely used in modern English.
Easily confused with greed
Greed is an excessive desire for something, whereas grief is deep sorrow caused by a loss.