avarice

American  

[av-er-is] / ˈæv ər ɪs /

noun

1. insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.

   Synonyms:

   cupidity

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avarice British  

/ ˈævərɪs /

noun

1. extreme greed for riches; cupidity

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Other Word Forms

• avaricious adjective
• avariciously adverb
• avariciousness noun

Etymology

Origin of avarice

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin avāritia, equivalent to avār(us) “greedy” + -itia -ice

Explanation

Avarice is a fancy word for good old-fashioned greed. It's one of what some call "the seven deadly sins." Do you want more and more money? Or cookies? Or video games? Or anything? Then your heart is full of avarice, which you probably know better as greed. When people talk about greed, it's clearly not a good thing, but avarice has an even worse flavor to it. Avarice is often looked upon as a sin, and it's always considered despicable and evil.

Example Sentences

My lifelong commitment to social justice and my eternal skepticism of power and avarice comes from what I learned growing up at St. Boniface in Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The death of a British teen reveals a bizarre tale of avarice and deception.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Bondi has made a career of poor decisions, questionable actions and unbridled avarice that makes Cruella de Vil look like Barbie.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

Walsh’s attorneys said in a court filing that he wasn’t motivated by avarice, but desperation.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

The Tyroshi were notorious for their avarice, and Ser Rodrik had argued for hiring a fishing sloop out of the Three Sisters, but Catelyn had insisted on the galley.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin