‘婪欲’ is a literary, slightly formal noun meaning ‘ravenous desire’ or ‘insatiable greed’—a powerful, often morally charged term for an overwhelming, uncontrolled craving, especially for wealth, power, or sensual pleasure. The first character 婪 (lán) means ‘greedy’ and appears only in compound words like this one; it carries strong negative connotations, evoking animal-like voracity. The second character 欲 (yù) means ‘desire’ or ‘lust’ and is common on its own, but here it intensifies the sense of craving.

This word is rarely used in casual speech—it appears more often in essays, moral commentary, historical narratives, or classical-style writing to condemn excessive ambition or moral failure. It suggests not just wanting something, but wanting it without limit or conscience—like a predator never sated. Because of its weight and tone, it’s typically paired with subjects like corruption, tyranny, or spiritual downfall, and seldom used for harmless wishes (e.g., you wouldn’t say ‘婪欲’ for wanting dessert).