desire for competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire for competence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's motivation or aspiration to improve their skills or abilities in a particular area. Example: "Her desire for competence in her field drove her to pursue additional training and education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Competency as a motivating force is consistent with Putnam and Campbell's view that that a physician's desire for competence is manifest in (1) striving to excel and be the "best" in the field, (2) willingness to change and innovate in clinical practice, and (3) willingness to respond to clinical problems[ 18].

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We've seen how people's natural desires for competence and performance open up commercial spaces ripe for invasion by corporate interest.

The Guardian

These included: (a) a measure of performance efficacy related to the 400 m walk, (b) a barriers efficacy scale (Garcia and King 1991), (c) a measure of satisfaction with physical function (Reboussin et al 2000), and an 8-item measure of desire for physical competence that was adapted from work by Rejeski and colleagues (Rejeski et al 2006).

Clinical interventions in aging

Examination of the first 3 columns of data in this Table reveals that the following variables passed the 0.15 criterion in the variable group regression analysis: heart attack, heart failure, lung disease, and BMI from the chronic disease category, SPPB balance score, along with desire for physical competence, barriers efficacy, and 400 m performance efficacy from the process measures category.

Clinical interventions in aging

Considering short-term in-service trainings using novel approaches for ensuring desired competences for large number of providers in short time period is imperative.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

They score well for competence.

The Economist

You go for competence over nationality.

Independent

They were genuinely thankful for competence.

The New York Times - Sports

This government's record for competence is slender.

The Guardian - Opinion

An evangelical who is widely respected for competence and drive.

The Guardian

Both have good reputations for competence and honesty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal or professional development, use "desire for competence" to highlight the internal drive to improve skills and performance.

Common error

Avoid using "desire for competence" when you actually mean a desire to outdo others. Competence is about achieving a certain level of skill, while competitiveness is about surpassing others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for competence" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a motivational drive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid for expressing someone's aspiration to improve skills. The phrase acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the subject's aim or goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire for competence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the motivation to improve skills and abilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from personal development to professional goals. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources and can be effectively used to highlight the internal drive for improvement. Be mindful of common errors, such as confusing competence with competitiveness, and consider using alternative phrases like ""yearning for proficiency"" or ""aspiration for mastery"" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for proficiency

Emphasizes a deep longing for expertise.

aspiration for mastery

Focuses on achieving a high level of skill.

drive for capability

Highlights the motivation to become capable.

pursuit of expertise

Stresses the active chase of deep knowledge or skill.

longing for skill

Expresses a strong desire to acquire abilities.

ambition for proficiency

Highlights a strong wish to improve skills.

need for proficiency

Indicates a requirement for adequate skill levels.

motivation to excel

Highlights the driving force to exceed expectations.

striving for competence

Focuses on continuous effort to gain competence.

quest for mastery

Emphasizes a dedicated search for ultimate skill.

FAQs

How can I express the "desire for competence" in the workplace?

You can frame it as a commitment to professional development, a proactive approach to skill enhancement, or a dedication to achieving and maintaining high standards in your role. For instance, you could say you're "motivated to excel" in your position.

What's the difference between "desire for competence" and "need for competence"?

"Desire for competence" implies a voluntary aspiration to improve, while "need for competence" suggests a requirement or necessity. For example, an employee might express a "desire for competence" to advance their career or show a "need for proficiency" to perform a job effectively.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "desire for competence"?

It's suitable in contexts discussing personal development, professional growth, educational goals, or any scenario where someone is motivated to improve their abilities and skills. It is similar to the "aspiration for mastery".

Are there more formal alternatives to "desire for competence"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "commitment to proficiency", "pursuit of expertise", or "aspiration for mastery". The specific choice depends on the context, but all convey a similar meaning. It is similar to having a "yearning for proficiency".