greedy

The word “greedy” means wanting or taking more than one needs, especially money, food, or power. In plain terms, wanting way more than your fair share, whether that's food, money, or attention.

“Greedy” is pronounced GREE-dee (/ˈɡɹiːdi/ in IPA).

Here is “greedy” used in a sentence: “The greedy landlord kept raising the rent every year.”

Words with a similar meaning to “greedy” include acquisitive, avaricious, cormorant, covetous, edacious and esurient.

“Greedy” is an adjective.

The word “greedy” comes from Old English. From Old English grǣdig, related to Gothic gredags ("hungry") — the underlying idea is a Proto-Germanic root for hunger.

“Greedy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

"Greedy" specifically describes wanting or taking more than one needs, especially money, food, or power, while "selfish" more broadly describes putting one's own interests ahead of others' regardless of quantity. A person can be selfish without being greedy, for instance by refusing to share time or attention rather than material things.

Yes, "greedy" is almost always a negative or critical description, implying that someone is taking an unfair or excessive share. It is rarely used as a compliment, even in casual speech.

Yes, "greedy" can describe excessive desire for food, power, attention, or any other resource, not just money, as in "greedy for praise" or "greedy eaters." The key sense is wanting more than is reasonable or fair.