Lucre

Lucre, a noun often used in a disapproving way, refers to money or monetary gain, especially when considered to be sordid, ill-gotten, or of questionable moral origin. It implies a focus on material wealth to the exclusion of higher principles, suggesting a pursuit of riches that is driven by greed or self-interest. The word's usage often carries a negative connotation, hinting at corruption, exploitation, or a willingness to compromise integrity for financial advantage. It is frequently associated with illicit activities, unscrupulous business practices, or a general disdain for ethical behavior in the pursuit of wealth.

Lucre meaning with examples

• The corrupt politician was ultimately undone by his relentless pursuit of lucre, accepting bribes that funded his lavish lifestyle and compromised his public duty. His downfall served as a stark reminder of the moral hazards associated with unchecked greed.
• The novel explored the dark underbelly of the city, revealing how desperate individuals were driven to desperate measures by the lure of easy lucre, from petty theft to more organized crime rings that profited from the suffering of others.
• Despite inheriting a significant fortune, the young heir remained unsatisfied, driven by an insatiable hunger for more lucre. His relentless ambition alienated him from his family and friends, consumed by the pursuit of financial success.
• The art collector's sudden acquisition of the masterpiece, a piece whose provenance was murky and whose price seemed suspiciously low, raised suspicions that he was more interested in the lucre it represented than its artistic merit or historical significance.