Standard Lemma guide

greediness

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈɡɹiːdinɪs/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The state of being greedy; greed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

an excessive desire for wealth (usually in large amounts)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the greediness of lawyers

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: voraciousness, rapaciousness

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: selfishness

3

noun

Meaning 3

an excessive desire for food

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hoggishness, piggishness

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: gluttony

History

Etymology

From Middle English gredynesse, from Old English grǣdiġnes; equivalent to greedy + -ness.