desire for success

USAGE SUMMARY

'desire for success' is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a strong drive to achieve a goal. For example, "My desire for success drove me to work harder than ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But the desire for success is.

The Washington Post

And the desire for success grows stronger still".

The New York Times

Because their fear of failure was greater than their desire for success.

The Guardian

Zungul's competitive fire and desire for success sometimes spilled off the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Our appetite and desire for success with Nigel as manager remains undiminished".

The Guardian - Sport

It comes from his fervent desire for success, which will propel him into the presence of Allah.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Greater motivation to achieve has been reported in adolescents with headaches, with a positive interaction between desire for successes and achievements [33].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

If winning the FA Cup was not enough to satisfy United's desires for success under Van Gaal then it would take a re-drawing of the boundaries to now paint the EFL Cup as fulfilling their ambitions.

BBC

While cost is certainly one important element in determining the law firms we use and how we use them, our first desire is for success with the matter at hand and knowing what is being done to achieve it.

The New York Times

Such is the desire for instant success.

The Guardian - Sport

For many, a desire for economic success is closely coupled with a desire for status.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire for success" when you want to convey a general aspiration to achieve goals. Be mindful that this phrasing can sometimes imply a strong, even overwhelming, need to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "desire for success" in contexts where collaboration and teamwork are paramount. Overstating individual ambition can undermine the importance of collective achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for success" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a concept or state of mind, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and frequently used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire for success" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong motivation to achieve goals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe ambition, drive, or aspiration. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific articles. Alternative phrases include "ambition for success", "drive for success", and "hunger for success", each offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that the emphasis on individual achievement aligns with the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambition for success

Replaces "desire" with "ambition", emphasizing the active pursuit of goals.

yearning for success

Substitutes "desire" with "yearning", conveying a stronger sense of longing.

drive for success

Replaces "desire" with "drive", highlighting the internal motivation.

hunger for success

Substitutes "desire" with "hunger", creating a more intense and visceral image.

passion for success

Replaces "desire" with "passion", emphasizing enthusiasm and dedication.

quest for success

Replaces "desire" with "quest", highlighting the journey and pursuit of success.

striving for success

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in achieving success.

pursuit of success

Focuses on the act of chasing or seeking success.

motivation for success

Highlights the underlying reason or impetus for achieving success.

longing for success

Substitutes "desire" with "longing", suggesting a deep-seated wish.

FAQs

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

You can use "desire for success" to describe someone's strong motivation to achieve their goals. For example: "Her "desire for success" propelled her to work tirelessly.".

What are some alternatives to "desire for success"?

Alternatives include "ambition for success", "drive for success", or "hunger for success", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "desire to succeed" or "desire for success"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Desire to succeed" emphasizes the action of succeeding, while "desire for success" focuses on the state of having achieved success. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

Can a "desire for success" be a negative trait?

While generally positive, an excessive or unchecked "desire for success" can lead to unethical behavior or neglecting other important aspects of life. Balance and perspective are key.