Faustian
Say it: FOW-stee-un /ˈfaʊstiən/ · adjective
What “Faustian” means
Gaining success or power by giving up your values.
More precisely: Describing a deal that trades your values for power, success or pleasure.
Example: “Taking the investor's money was a Faustian bargain: we lost control of the company.”
When to use it
For bargains that offer tempting rewards at a deep moral cost, usually in serious or literary discussion.
Similar words
devil's bargain, self-destructive
Where it comes from
From the legend of Faust, who sold his soul to the devil.
Quick check
A researcher accepts worldwide fame in exchange for hiding evidence that her sponsor's product is dangerous. This bargain is…
Faustian or pragmatic?
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Faustian
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