This adverb combines "shameful" (aischros) and "gain" (kerdos), meaning "for shameful gain" or "from sordid greed." Peter uses it in 1 Peter 5:2 instructing elders to shepherd the flock "not for shameful gain but eagerly." The term condemns ministry motivated by greed for dishonest profit—elders who serve primarily to enrich themselves rather than to care for souls. Classical usage applied it to those sordidly greedy for gain, and the New Testament employs it to contrast pure-hearted service with mercenary ministry. The concern is not payment for legitimate work but the base motivation of using ministry as a means of financial exploitation.