Mercenary (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Marked by materialism.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The pop star's mercenary attitude towards her fans was evident in her overpriced concert tickets and endless stream of product endorsements.
- His mercenary approach to business led him to prioritize profits over people, leaving a trail of damaged relationships in his wake.
- The politician's mercenary decision to switch parties was seen as a blatant attempt to further her own career rather than serve the public interest.
- The company's mercenary focus on shareholder value led to a series of ruthless cost-cutting measures that left many employees without jobs.
- The mercenary mindset of the social media influencer was apparent in her constant stream of sponsored posts and obvious attempts to sell her followers on whatever product was paying her the most.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Serving for wages in a foreign army; "mercenary killers".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The French Foreign Legion is notorious for its mercenary troops who will fight for anyone who pays them.
- The country hired a group of mercenary soldiers to bolster its defense against the invading forces.
- Many consider the Blackwater company to be a group of mercenary killers, with no regard for human life.
- During the medieval period, mercenary armies were common, as wealthy lords would hire troops to fight on their behalf.
- The novelist's portrayal of the main character as a ruthless mercenary assassin was chilling and realistic.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Profit oriented; "a commercial book"; "preached a mercantile and militant patriotism"- John Buchan; "a mercenary enterprise"; "a moneymaking business".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The corporation's sole objective was to maximize profits, its actions purely mercenary.
- She saw her work as an artist being overshadowed by her role as a spokesperson, turning what was once her passion into a mercenary venture.
- Critics panned the latest novel from the famous author, dismissing it as a mercenary attempt to capitalize on his existing fan base.
- Their interest in providing humanitarian aid seemed shallow, appearing instead to be a mercenary effort to increase brand visibility.
- Some artists struggled with the mercenary aspects of their work, torn between the need to create meaningful pieces and the requirement to turn a profit.