depraved desires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depraved desires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe immoral or corrupt wishes or cravings, often in a literary or psychological context. Example: "The novel explores the protagonist's struggle against his depraved desires, leading him down a dark path of self-destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

What you did is contrary to all nature and humanity and you each appear to have a chilling tendency to centre the world on yourselves and your depraved desires without regard for the innocent and vulnerable.

The Guardian

Det Sgt Dave Shipley, senior investigating officer for the case for Kent Police, said: "Leggett used children as objects for his depraved desires, as commodities which he was content to trade and share with others, with no thought for the impact his actions would have on his victims.

BBC

This week, Eddy Moretti speaks with Nicolas Winding Refn, director of the new film Only God Forgives, a polarizing work starring Ryan Gosling that explores the most primal and depraved desires of human nature.

Vice

Such a case seems clearcut, although as a legal expert on the programme argues, just because someone has depraved desires doesn't mean they can't be held responsible for acting on them.

The Guardian

After all, continent people, unlike those who are completely and virtuously moderate, have depraved desires but do not, precisely because they are continent, ever act upon them (De Anima iii 9 433a6–8; cf. Nicomachean Ethics i 13, 1102b26).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What's being overlooked are the depraved and sick desires of some cis men to abuse these laws.

Huffington Post

The servants, wicked and depraved, corrupt and deprave the children..

The Guardian - Books

In A Problem in Modern Ethics, Symonds seeks to differentiate further between the man who desires adults and younger men, and the "depraved debauchee who abuses boys".

English Studies

Still, throughout A Problem in Modern Ethics, Symonds draws on congenital arguments to set apart the consensual desire between age-equal partners from the depraved and corruptive lust characterising radically age-inconsistent relationships.

English Studies

That's mentally depraved.

The Guardian

Sex is power, defiance, depraved self-harm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depraved desires", ensure the context clearly establishes the immoral or corrupt nature of the desires being described. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation and should be used judiciously to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "depraved desires" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its strong and somewhat archaic tone can sound overdramatic or out of place in everyday contexts. Consider using milder alternatives like "unhealthy cravings" or "bad habits" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depraved desires" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. "Depraved" serves to qualify and intensify the nature of the "desires", indicating that they are morally corrupt or wicked. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depraved desires" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe immoral or corrupt cravings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While relatively infrequent, it appears mostly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signaling a formal register. The phrase's strong negative connotation should be carefully considered when choosing it over milder alternatives like "unhealthy cravings". When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context is clear and supports the implication of moral corruption. The best practice is avoiding overuse in casual contexts to prevent sounding overdramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immoral cravings

Replaces "depraved" with "immoral", focusing on moral transgression rather than corruption.

corrupt cravings

Substitutes "depraved" with "corrupt", highlighting the idea of moral decay and contamination.

wicked longings

Replaces both words with synonyms that suggest evil or malevolent intent.

base urges

Uses "base" to describe the low or ignoble nature of the desires, emphasizing their primitive quality.

degenerate appetites

Employs "degenerate" to suggest a decline in moral standards and "appetites" to refer to strong desires.

perverse inclinations

Replaces "desires" with "inclinations" and emphasizes the deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.

unnatural urges

Focuses on the deviation from the natural order or what is considered normal human behavior.

sinful passions

Highlights the religious or moral transgression associated with the desires.

licentious appetites

Uses a more formal term, "licentious", to describe the unrestrained and immoral nature of the appetites.

vile yearnings

Emphasizes the repulsive and morally objectionable nature of the desires.

FAQs

How can "depraved desires" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "depraved desires" is used to describe immoral or corrupt wishes or cravings. For example: "The story explores the villain's descent into darkness, driven by his "depraved desires".

What are some synonyms for "depraved desires"?

Alternatives include "immoral cravings", "corrupt cravings", or "wicked longings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "depraved desires" too strong for everyday conversation?

Yes, "depraved desires" carries a strong negative connotation and is more suited for formal writing or contexts where you want to emphasize the extreme immorality or corruption of the desires. Consider using milder alternatives in casual settings.

What is the difference between "depraved desires" and "unhealthy cravings"?

"Depraved desires" suggests a deeper level of moral corruption and wickedness, while "unhealthy cravings" simply implies that the desires are not good for one's well-being or health. The former is more severe and carries a stronger judgment.