Lucre Meaning in English

word

US

ˈluːkə

LOO-ker

UK

lˈuːkɐ

LOO-kuh

Definition

Money or profit gained, especially in a way that is considered dishonest or morally wrong.

Usage & Nuances

Almost always used in a negative or disapproving way. Formal and literary; not common in casual speech. Often appears with 'filthy lucre' (very negative). Do not use for regular or honest profit—use 'profit' or 'earnings' for neutral or positive meanings.

• Spanish: lucro (dinero) - ganancia (connotación negativa)
• Portuguese (BR): lucro (com conotação negativa) - ganho ilegal
• Portuguese (PT): lucro (com conotação negativa) - ganho ilícito
• Chinese (Simplified): 非法利润 - 不义之财
• Chinese (Traditional): 非法利潤 - 不義之財
• Hindi: अवैध लाभ - गलत तरीके से कमाया हुआ पैसा
• Arabic: مكاسب غير مشروعة - ربح غير شرعي
• Bengali: অবৈধ অর্থ - অপবিত্র অর্থ
• Russian: нечестная прибыль - корысть
• Japanese: 不正な利益
• Vietnamese: lợi lộc bất chính
• Korean: 부정한 이익
• Turkish: kirli kazanç - haram kazanç
• Urdu: ناجائز منافع - حرام منافع
• Indonesian: keuntungan haram - keuntungan tidak jujur

Example Sentences

He cared only for lucre, not for helping others.

basic

Some people will do anything for lucre.

basic

He was tempted by lucre and broke the law.

basic

The politician was accused of chasing after lucre instead of serving the public.

natural

He made a fortune from lucre through shady deals.

natural

She refused to accept any lucre from the deal, insisting on doing things honestly.

natural