Vulturish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having characteristics reminiscent of a scavenger
2. showing a predatory or opportunistic nature, often in relation to taking advantage of others' misfortunes
3. resembling a vulture in demeanor or approach, particularly with a focus on profit from decay or loss

Etymology: "Vulturish" is simply "vulture" with the suffix "-ish" attached, and the suffix does the same job it does in words like "childish" or "reddish": it means "having the qualities of, somewhat like" the base noun. So the adjective describes something resembling a vulture, in the literal sense of the bird, and by extension the figurative sense of a person or behavior that hangs around waiting to profit from others' misfortune. The base word "vulture" comes from Latin "vultur," which is the source of the English noun. Because "-ish" attaches freely to nouns in English, "vulturish" is a transparent formation rather than a word with a dramatic backstory, and its meaning follows directly from its parts.

Synonyms: predatory, rapacious, grasping, avaricious, insatiable

Antonyms: generous, benevolent, altruistic, selfless, charitable