fortune hunter

USAGE SUMMARY

'fortune hunter' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who seeks prestige, wealth, or power through clever or unscrupulous means. For example, "He was just a fortune hunter, looking to make a quick buck off the old man's estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Gabrielle is no fortune hunter, so what does she see in this pair?

The New Yorker

Some creepy fortune hunter was bound to snap her up, some Egyptian or whatever.

The New Yorker

By Hilton Als Dan Stevens and Jessica Chastain, as fortune hunter and prey, in "The Heiress".

The New Yorker

But booze, banter and a bizarre marriage to Chester A. Arthur III, a pansexual fortune hunter, got in the way.

The New York Times - Books

Forbes-Robertson's playing in Jerome K. Jerome "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," John Barrymore's acting in Winchell Smith's "The Fortune Hunter".

The New Yorker

Draper presents a new variation on that oft-revived archetype of self-invented swagger; he's a charismatic but tainted fortune hunter to shame even Jay Gatsby.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Fortunately, she was able to steer clear from "fortune hunters".

Huffington Post

Suddenly thousands of fortune hunters were hellbent to cross the desert to reach California.

The New York Times - Books

Lured by the grossly inflated prices the federal government offered, fortune hunters flooded into the Rockies.

The New York Times - Books

And their father, wary of fortune hunters, wants none of them ever to marry.

The New York Times

Her father chases away prospective beaux because he sees them all as fortune hunters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fortune hunter" to accurately describe individuals motivated by acquiring wealth, especially through relationships or exploitative means. Ensure the context supports the negative connotation associated with the term.

Common error

Avoid using "fortune hunter" to describe someone simply pursuing career advancement or financial stability through legitimate work. The term specifically implies opportunistic or unscrupulous behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fortune hunter" functions primarily as a noun, typically used to describe a person. As Ludwig AI also suggests, the phrase refers to someone who seeks wealth through unscrupulous means, often by marrying a wealthy person.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fortune hunter" effectively describes someone who seeks wealth by exploiting relationships or opportunities, as supported by Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples. It's grammatically sound, carries a negative connotation, and is widely used in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When writing, remember that as Ludwig AI suggests, the term implies a lack of genuine affection, and is not just ambition, opportunism, or social climbing but the unsavory combination of all three! Considering alternatives like "gold digger" or "opportunist" can provide a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gold digger

Specifically refers to someone who pursues a relationship for financial gain, often targeting wealthy individuals.

adventurer seeking riches

More directly implies a quest for wealth through adventurous or risky endeavors.

opportunist

Highlights the act of exploiting opportunities for personal gain, without necessarily focusing on wealth.

money grabber

Implies an aggressive and possibly unethical pursuit of money.

social climber

Focuses on the pursuit of higher social status, which may or may not involve financial gain.

status seeker

Emphasizes the desire for prestige and recognition, not strictly monetary wealth.

profiteer

Suggests making excessive profits, especially in times of scarcity or crisis.

self-seeker

General term for someone primarily motivated by personal gain, whether financial or otherwise.

careerist

Focuses on ruthless ambition and self-promotion in a professional context.

asset stripper

Refers to someone who profits by dismantling and selling off the assets of a company.

FAQs

How to use "fortune hunter" in a sentence?

You can use "fortune hunter" to describe someone who pursues wealth through opportunistic or unscrupulous means, such as marrying for money. For example: "He was exposed as a "fortune hunter" when his wealthy spouse discovered his true intentions."

What are some synonyms for "fortune hunter"?

Alternatives to "fortune hunter" include "gold digger", "opportunist", or "social climber", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "fortune hunter"?

Calling someone a "fortune hunter" carries a negative connotation, implying they are primarily motivated by financial gain and willing to exploit others to achieve it. Use this term carefully and only when the context warrants it.

What is the difference between a "fortune hunter" and someone who is ambitious?

An ambitious person strives for success and wealth through hard work and legitimate means, while a "fortune hunter" seeks to acquire wealth quickly and easily, often by taking advantage of others' resources or social standing. Unlike a "fortune hunter", an ambitious person's primary motivation is not necessarily wealth.