venal

Imagine a politician who keeps helping whoever pays the most. Someone venal is willing to be influenced by money or personal gain, especially in ways that are dishonest. It is more than simply liking money; it suggests a readiness to give up fairness or principles for profit. You would not trust a venal judge to be fair, because their judgment could be "for sale." The word has a strongly negative tone and suggests corruption and bad character.

The word venal describes someone who is open to bribery or corruption, especially when money or personal gain is involved. It does not simply mean rich, money-loving, or interested in nice things. Instead, it points to a willingness to betray principles, duty, or trust for profit. Think of it as being morally "for sale."

Historically, venal comes from the Latin word venalis, meaning "for sale." That history fits the modern sense well: a venal person seems willing to put their honesty or integrity up for sale.

You'll often encounter venal when discussing politics, law, or any situation where power and money intersect. A venal official might accept bribes in exchange for favors, or a venal journalist might write biased articles for payment. However, it can also apply to personal relationships—someone who consistently prioritizes financial gain over friendship could be described as venal.

It's important to note that venal is a strong and critical term. It implies not just a lack of integrity but an active embrace of corruption. While "greedy" or "materialistic" describe desires, venal suggests a willingness to act on those desires in unethical ways.

So, if you suspect someone's actions are driven by greed and a willingness to compromise their morals for profit, the word venal is the perfect—and damning—descriptor.