Greed: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that people are never completely satisfied and are always seeking more wealth, power, or other forms of success, and that this drive can lead to both positive and negative outcomes

"Human wants are endless — desire has no limit."

"Every improvement led to a demand for more — desire has no limit."

used to imply that when someone sets out to gain something, often through dishonest or risky means, they are likely to end up losing everything they have, including what they started with

"He lost everything trying."

"The investor who gambled all his savings on a risky venture went out for wool and came home shorn."

used to suggest that when someone is too greedy or selfish, they are less likely to achieve their goals or gain what they want

"Greed stops you from getting anything — greedy never gets."

"He held out for a better offer until all offers were withdrawn — greedy never gets."

used to suggest that as someone gains more possessions, wealth, or success, their desires tend to grow, leading to a never-ending cycle of wanting more

"Having more makes you want even more — the more you get, the more you want."

"The salary increase satisfied no one for long — the more you have, the more you want."

used to emphasize the importance of balance and moderation, and warns that taking more than one needs or is entitled to can be dangerous and lead to negative outcomes or loss

"Getting too greedy leads to destruction — pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered."

"He kept pushing for more until the deal collapsed — pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered."

used to caution against being overly ambitious, as trying to take on too much or being too greedy can lead to failure or loss

"Greed leads to losing."

"The entrepreneur who tried to launch three businesses simultaneously found that he who grasps at too much loses everything."

used to suggest that attempting to have or do everything at once can lead to negative consequences and that people should focus on what is essential and achievable

"Trying to have everything results in having nothing — grasp all, lose all."

"The attempt to dominate every market segment left the company vulnerable everywhere — grasp all, lose all."

used to suggest that when someone is overly ambitious, they may experience anxiety or restlessness, as they are constantly striving for more and worrying about achieving their goals

"Too much ambition prevents peace — a person with too much ambition cannot sleep in peace."

"He had achieved everything he wanted and remained deeply restless — a person with too much ambition cannot sleep in peace."