Faustian

adjective

Faust·​ian ˈfau̇-stē-ən How to pronounce Faustian (audio) ˈfȯ- How to pronounce Faustian (audio)
: of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting Faust
especially : made or done for present gain without regard for future cost or consequences
a Faustian bargain

Examples of Faustian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Faustian fourth installment of Knausgaard’s Morning Star series probing the price of success is worth the perseverance. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 4 June 2026 No doubt some parents will, per Haidt and Iyer, take legislators up on their Faustian offer to make parenting easier. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Are the humanities as they are currently instantiated in the American university system actually worth the Faustian bargains we are forced to make to keep them? — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026 Shut the door on your way out – Having the old boss stay on as an executive chairman can be a Faustian bargain for the new one. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Faustian

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Faustian was in 1876

Rhymes for Faustian

See All Rhymes for Faustian

Browse Nearby Words

Fausta
Faustian
Faust slipper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Faustian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Faustian. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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