Avarice

/ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An insatiable desire for wealth or gain; greed.

His avarice led him to betray his friends for financial gain.

Extreme greed for material wealth.

The old man's avarice was evident in the way he hoarded money and valuables.

A desire to acquire and possess more than one needs or deserves.

Her avarice was so great that she would never be satisfied, no matter how much she acquired.

A strong desire to accumulate wealth, especially at the expense of ethical considerations.

The company's avarice caused them to overlook employee welfare in pursuit of higher profits.

Middle English, from Old French 'avarice', from Latin 'avaritia', from 'avarus' meaning greedy.

greedy as Croesus

extremely wealthy or rich

money makes the world go round

wealth or money is a primary driving force in society

penny wise and pound foolish

careful about small amounts of money but wasteful with large amounts

avaricious

having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain

covetous

having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else

greedy

having an excessive desire for more of something, typically wealth or food

money-hungry

He's so money-hungry that he won't help his friends out at all.

nickel-and-dime

Don't nickel-and-dime me; I know you're just being avaricious about your profits.