appetite for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appetite for power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or craving for control, influence, or authority, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "His insatiable appetite for power led him to make questionable decisions that affected the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Growing wealth sharpens the appetite for power.

The Economist

The appetite for power seems to equalise the genders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But these members of Congress have not lost their appetite for power.

The New York Times

Does Farron have an appetite for power, and in what form?

Independent

In the process, he has stoked the Kremlin's apparently infinite appetite for power.

Harvard Business Review

Our manifesto may not be authentic, but our appetite for power is".

The Guardian

The Tories are regaining what Conservative historian John Ramsden called their "appetite for power".

The Guardian

Mr. Reagan showed little appetite for power, even less for the messy detail of politics.

The New York Times

Howell shows that an appetite for power may not inform the original motivations of those who seek to become president.

Princeton University

Some of the other states are worried that California's voracious appetite for power could be harming their own economies.

The New York Times

Once she had taken up the post, however, she discovered she had a genuine appetite for power.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appetite for power" when you want to convey a strong and inherent desire for influence, control, or authority. It is suitable for describing individuals, organizations, or even abstract entities like states or movements.

Common error

Avoid using "appetite for power" when describing healthy ambition or the pursuit of goals through legitimate means. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an excessive or even unscrupulous desire for control. Use alternative terms like "drive", "ambition", or "determination" to describe positive aspirations.

Linguistic Context

"Appetite for power" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong desire or craving. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it's used to characterize individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts, especially in political and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appetite for power" is a correct and very common expression used to describe a strong desire for control, influence, or authority. Analysis from Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an excessive or even unscrupulous desire for control. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the context and potential implications when using "appetite for power", as it may not be appropriate for describing legitimate ambition or positive aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for control

Focuses on the aspect of wanting to manage and direct situations or people.

craving for control

Similar to "desire for control" but implies a more intense and urgent need.

thirst for authority

Emphasizes the craving for recognized leadership and command.

longing for authority

Similar to "thirst for authority" but conveys a sense of yearning.

lust for dominance

Highlights an intense and often aggressive craving to be in a superior position.

zeal for power

Highlights the enthusiastic and passionate pursuit of influence and control.

yearning for influence

Stresses the longing to have an effect on decisions and outcomes.

drive for supremacy

Conveys a strong motivation to achieve the highest level of power and control.

hunger for command

Implies a strong need to be in charge and give orders.

ambition for high office

Specifies the desire to attain a position of significant political or organizational power.

FAQs

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

You can use "appetite for power" to describe someone's strong desire for control or authority, for example: "The politician's unquenchable "appetite for power" drove him to make controversial decisions."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "desire for control", "thirst for authority", or "lust for dominance".

Does "appetite for power" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "appetite for power" often implies a negative connotation, suggesting an excessive, potentially unethical, or even ruthless desire for control that goes beyond healthy ambition.

Is it correct to say someone has a "healthy appetite for power"?

While grammatically correct, saying someone has a "healthy appetite for power" can be contradictory. The phrase often suggests an overzealous desire for control. Instead, consider using terms like "strong ambition" or "drive for leadership" to convey a more positive sentiment.