a desire for vindication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desire for vindication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's wish to clear their name or prove their innocence in a situation where they feel wronged or misunderstood. Example: "After the accusations were made, she felt a strong desire for vindication, wanting to show everyone that she was innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He acknowledged that another motive was a desire for vindication.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The desire for vindication eventually led Bodek to Scott Patterson, a New York Times best-selling author who would land Bodek's dotted mug on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and later feature him in the book Dark Pools.

Vice

A desire for control.

The New Yorker

A desire for change.

Forbes

Far from vindication, the desire for justice to be delivered is nowhere to be seen, drowned in the despair for the current ineffectiveness of the NDP government, and a desire for change.

Huffington Post

Because of this, as well as more nebulous desires for vindication and the revelation of truths kept hidden by human authorities, Mulder struggles to maintain objectivity in his investigations.

Wikipedia

Is there not one Republican leader who is willing to stand up and declare that the damage done to our government, our nation, our society, or our world by these self-indulgent elitist snobs is not worth the immediate gratification of political points scored for purely personal needs and desires for vindication, acceptance, or relevancy?

Huffington Post

Michael Bland waited a long time for vindication.

The Washington Post

A former Army Ranger is asking the president for vindication after his 2009 murder conviction.

The Washington Post

As an alternative to clear ideas they turn to polls for vindication.

Independent

As vindication for their viewpoint, the Geithner supporters point to banks like J. P. Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, which have already returned their government money, although they appear to be motivated in part by a desire to evade the regulations that accompany government cash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desire for vindication" when you want to express a deep-seated need to prove oneself right after facing criticism or doubt. It effectively conveys both the wish and the underlying emotional investment.

Common error

Avoid using "vindication" in casual conversation. It is a formal term best suited for serious discussions or written content where the need to prove a point is significant. Simpler terms like "being right" or "getting credit" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire for vindication" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of desire, namely the wish to be cleared of blame or suspicion, or to prove something is correct, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desire for vindication" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a strong longing to be proven right, often after facing doubt or opposition. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase typically appears in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, remember that "a desire for vindication" carries a certain formality, making it less suitable for casual settings. For alternative expressions, consider "a craving for exoneration" or "a yearning for justification" for similar but slightly varied connotations. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure your message resonates with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a craving for exoneration

Replaces "vindication" with "exoneration", emphasizing the clearing of blame.

a yearning for justification

Substitutes "desire" with "yearning" and "vindication" with "justification", highlighting the need to be proven right.

a longing to be proven right

Rephrases the concept to directly state the wish to be correct.

a need for validation

Focuses on the need for external approval and confirmation of one's actions or beliefs.

a quest for vindication

Replaces "desire" with "quest", implying a determined pursuit of vindication.

an urge for vindication

Substitutes "desire" with "urge", suggesting a strong, almost irresistible feeling.

wanting to be vindicated

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement of wanting vindication.

seeking justification

Focuses solely on the act of seeking justification, omitting the emotional aspect.

a drive for vindication

Replaces "desire" with "drive", emphasizing the motivational force behind seeking vindication.

a push for vindication

Replaces "desire" with "push", this connotes a more forceful attempt to get the expected result.

FAQs

How can I use "a desire for vindication" in a sentence?

You might say, "After years of being wrongly accused, he felt a powerful "a desire for vindication", hoping the truth would finally emerge".

What's the difference between "a desire for vindication" and "a need for validation"?

"A desire for vindication" implies wanting to prove oneself right after being doubted or wronged, while "a need for validation" is a more general need for external approval and confirmation.

Are there situations where using "a desire for vindication" might sound too formal?

Yes, in casual conversations or informal writing, simpler terms like "wanting to be right" or "wanting to prove them wrong" might be more suitable.

What are some alternative phrases to "a desire for vindication" that still convey the same intensity?

Consider using phrases like "a craving for exoneration", "a yearning for justification", or "a longing to be proven right" to express a similar sentiment.