coveted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'coveted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that a person or group greatly desires or longs for but does not have yet. For example, "The coveted championship trophy was finally within reach for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Likewise there was huge trouble at ABT when Tharp was shifted from the coveted final place in the programme to the less prestigious opening slot.

The Guardian

The two authors heavily tipped to take this year's most coveted and dreaded literary prize have failed to make the shortlist.

The Guardian - Books

A pass from Ramires inside the opening minute allowed him the oportunity to demonstrate why he was so coveted by his new manager as he finished past the Sociedad goalkeeper, Eñaut Zubikarai, from a tight angle to give the hosts the lead.

The Guardian - Sport

The east coast mainline from London to Edinburgh, a prize the Virgin boss has long coveted, will be the next big rail competition, to be awarded next year, after the government announced a number of extensions to the current franchises – including allowing Virgin to retain its west coast service until 2017.

The Guardian - Business

Blessed with exceptional power and technique, Zouma is also coveted by many for his leadership qualities.

The Guardian - Sport

Full details are not being disclosed yet - Blatchford said at one venue he had asked seven times in one interview for some particularly coveted artefacts - but a small taster of the treasures in the Russian collections was seen in loans to the British Council in 2011, to mark the gift of a statue of Yuri Gagarin: they included his anti-gravity training harness and a space seat for a dog.

The Guardian

We had to convert our sofa into a bed each night, the bathroom was bigger than the kitchen, and we didn't have that terrace I coveted.

The Guardian - Travel

Since the 90s, Acs has overseen one of Europe's biggest organic farms, earning international plaudits and coveted Swiss "bio-certificates" for pioneering work on a vast scale, covering 452 hectares (1,116 acres) of rolling fields, land that was leased from the Hungarian state.

The Guardian

I coveted George Michael's bouffant hairstyle, assuming its yellow straw colour was the result of a home dye experiment involving lemon juice gone wrong, because that is exactly what had happened to mine.

The Guardian - Music

Economists expect the UK to lose it's coveted AAA rating this year.

The Guardian

In addition to a handshake and interview, the man of the moment would at the very least receive a tray of golden goblets, perhaps a $500 cheque and maybe even a Baccarat crystal ships decanter (classy), which was upgraded to the coveted gold-handled ice bucket - on a plinth, no less - for the man of the series.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coveted" to describe something that is not only desired but also difficult to obtain, adding a sense of exclusivity or prestige.

Common error

Avoid using "coveted" to describe everyday wants or easily obtainable items. "Coveted" implies a high degree of competition or rarity, not just personal preference.

Linguistic Context

The word "coveted" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is highly desired or envied. Ludwig's examples frequently show it describing items or positions that are intensely sought after.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coveted" is a versatile adjective denoting something highly desired and often difficult to obtain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and well-suited for formal writing. It frequently appears in news and business contexts, underscoring its applicability in professional and descriptive narratives. When writing, remember that "coveted" implies a deeper level of desire and competition than simple wanting. Alternatives such as "highly desired" or "sought-after" may offer nuanced substitutions depending on the context. Its use can add sophistication to your writing, provided it aligns with the subject's actual value and appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly desired

Focuses on the intense wish for something.

much sought-after

Emphasizes the active pursuit of something by many.

in high demand

Highlights the popularity and request rate of something.

prized

Implies something is valued and cherished.

cherished

Indicates something is held with great affection and care.

valued

Highlights the worth or importance of something.

desired by many

Explicitly states the widespread appeal of something.

longed-for

Emphasizes a strong and enduring desire.

enviable

Suggests something inspires jealousy or admiration in others.

admired

Focuses on the respect and approval something receives.

FAQs

How can I use "coveted" in a sentence?

Use "coveted" to describe something highly desired or sought after, like "The award is one of the most "coveted" prizes in the industry".

What can I say instead of "coveted"?

You can use alternatives like "highly desired", "much sought-after", or "prized" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "coveted" in formal writing?

Yes, "coveted" is suitable for formal writing as it adds a layer of sophistication and implies significant value or desirability. Its use is common in news media and academic writing.

What's the difference between "coveted" and "desired"?

"Desired" simply means wanted, while "coveted" implies that the object is not only wanted but also envied or pursued by many others. A "coveted" item is often rare or difficult to obtain.