ambitious for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambitious for power" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: He was ambitious for power, but he didn't want the responsibility that came with it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Seselj and his Radical Party are ultranationalists and ambitious for power, and it has been clear for some time that Mr. Milosevic wants to use these elections to cut back Mr. Seselj's influence.

The New York Times

Entrenched and very professional political organizations, generously financed by officeholders and businessmen wanting special privileges, controlled most state governments in the late 1890s; everywhere, these organizations were challenged by a rising generation of young and idealistic antiorganization leaders, ambitious for power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He remains an enigmatic figure in English history: ambitious, greedy for power and wealth, ruthless, and sometimes dishonest, but with a vision of benevolent authoritarian government and efficient administration to which he often gave persuasive expression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even so, Mr. Piebalgs still made an ambitious proposal for powers to order national authorities and natural gas companies to help other countries in an emergency within three days.

The New York Times

But their ambitious leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser, gained a taste for power.

The Economist

India worries about ambitious Chinese plans to tap Tibetan rivers for power generation.

The Economist

He was ambitious, but he recognized that his desire for power could be satisfied best within the confines of dutiful royal service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here, there's only one party that really matters--The African National Congress (ANC) that is riven by factions, ambitious politicians and an environment of jostling for power and position.

Huffington Post

In a televised debate on the referendum, Mr. Lagos pointed his finger directly into the camera as if addressing the general personally, calling him a "liar" and "ambitious" for wanting to hang onto power.

The New York Times

Germany, Europe's champion for renewable energy, seems to be having second thoughts about its ambitious push to ramp up its use of renewable fuels for power generation.

The New York Times

With the cartel leadership once again up for grabs, analysts expect López's son, an ambitious playboy known as "Mini Lic," to launch a bid for power.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "ambitious for power" to subtly indicate their motivations and goals without explicitly stating them. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ambitious for power" too frequently when describing the same subject. Vary your language by using synonyms like "power-hungry" or phrases like "desirous of authority" to maintain reader engagement and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambitious for power" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often a person or entity) to describe their inherent desire or drive related to obtaining authority or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambitious for power" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a strong desire for authority and control. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not overly common, it appears consistently in neutral contexts like news, encyclopedias and wikis. Related phrases include "power-hungry" and "desirous of authority". When writing, consider using this phrase to subtly reveal a character's motivations, but avoid overuse. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's grammar, usage, and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power-hungry

Implies a strong, often negative, desire for power.

grasping for control

Suggests actively trying to gain control.

desirous of authority

Formally expresses a wish to possess authority.

seeking influence

Focuses on the pursuit of influence rather than direct power.

striving for dominance

Emphasizes the effort to achieve a dominant position.

eager for command

Highlights the enthusiasm for being in a position to give orders.

yearning for supremacy

Expresses a deep longing for a position of supreme authority.

coveting leadership

Implies a desire for leadership, often with a hint of envy or resentment.

thirsty for authority

Uses a strong metaphor to convey a great need for authority.

aiming for a position of strength

Focuses on the goal of achieving a powerful position.

FAQs

How can I use "ambitious for power" in a sentence?

You can use "ambitious for power" to describe someone who strongly desires authority or control. For example: "He was "ambitious for power", but lacked the necessary skills to lead."

What are some alternatives to saying "ambitious for power"?

Alternatives include "power-hungry", "desirous of authority", or "seeking influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ambitious for power" or "ambitious to gain power"?

"Ambitious for power" is more concise and often preferred. "Ambitious to gain power" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly more verbose. The best choice depends on the overall style and flow of your writing.

What's the difference between being "ambitious for power" and simply being "ambitious"?

Being simply "ambitious" implies a general desire for success or achievement in any field. Being "ambitious for power" specifically indicates a desire for control, authority, and influence over others.