desire for recognition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire for recognition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's longing or wish to be acknowledged or validated for their achievements or contributions. Example: "Many artists have a strong desire for recognition, as it often validates their hard work and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Perhaps desire for recognition played a role.

The New York Times

Upon reflection, a desire for recognition seems irrational.

The New York Times

"There was never the possibility of a desire for recognition being gratified," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

One result is a struggle between Hamburgers' desire for recognition and their own frugal instincts.

The New York Times

Gerard Mortier, the artistic director of the Salzburg Festival, doesn't regard Mr. Vilar's desire for recognition as a problem.

The New York Times - Arts

In any case, Mr. Messina says his poetry is inspired by his passion, not by a desire for recognition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Before we condemn them too quickly, let us look calmly and honestly at ourselves, and we will discover that we too have those same basic desires for recognition, for importance.

Huffington Post

One could attribute this exhibitionism to the rise of reality TV, the desire for immediate recognition.

The New York Times

He was taking everything — all the adulation, all the praise, all the desire for his recognition — personally.

Harvard Business Review

If anything, the desire for respect, recognition, and mutual sympathy not self-love is the deepeself-love isan drives.

Columbia University

Writer Marek Kohn is a partner in the Sunshine Bank, which hopes to turn the desire for mutual recognition into an alternative currency system for communities and companies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations, use "desire for recognition" to highlight a character's deep-seated need to be acknowledged for their achievements or qualities.

Common error

While "desire for recognition" is widely understood, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make the text sound less objective. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "need for validation" or "aspiration for acknowledgment" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for recognition" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a need or longing. As seen in Ludwig, it is often used to describe a fundamental human motivation or a character's internal drive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire for recognition" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a fundamental human need to be acknowledged and valued. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While the register is generally neutral, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases include "yearning for acknowledgment" and "longing for validation", offering nuanced alternatives. Understanding its usage and potential pitfalls can help writers effectively convey the complexities of human motivation and behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yearning for acknowledgment

Emphasizes a deep longing for being noticed and appreciated.

Longing for validation

Focuses on the need for confirmation of one's worth or abilities.

Need for appreciation

Highlights the requirement of feeling valued and respected.

Aspiration for acclaim

Suggests a striving towards public praise and approval.

Ambition for fame

Implies a strong wish to be widely known and celebrated.

Quest for prominence

Focuses on seeking a leading or important position.

Pursuit of prestige

Highlights the attempt to gain status and respect.

Drive for visibility

Emphasizes the impetus to be seen and noticed.

Thirst for admiration

Suggests a craving for positive regard from others.

Inclination for celebrity

Implies a tendency toward seeking fame and widespread attention.

FAQs

How can I use "desire for recognition" in a sentence?

You can use "desire for recognition" to describe someone's motivation or ambition. For example: "The artist's "desire for recognition" fueled their dedication to their craft".

What are some alternatives to "desire for recognition"?

Alternatives include "yearning for acknowledgment", "longing for validation", or "need for appreciation depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "desire for recognition"?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes indicate vanity or insecurity, a "desire for recognition" can also be a healthy motivator for achieving excellence and contributing to society.

What's the difference between "desire for recognition" and "desire for fame"?

"Desire for recognition" implies a wish to be acknowledged for specific achievements or qualities, whereas "desire for fame" suggests a broader ambition to be widely known and celebrated, regardless of specific accomplishments.