desperate desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone's overwhelming need or longing for something. For example, "Her desperate desire for the job was evident in her professional, persuasive presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Romney is trapped by a desperate desire for legitimacy.

The New York Times

Of a desperate desire to compete with Isis?

The Guardian

We understand her desperate desire to be heard.

The Guardian

"There's a desperate desire to actually see people.

The New York Times - Style

But there is also a desperate desire for something to happen.

The Economist

Business leaders have made clear their desperate desire to save the euro zone.

The New York Times

These factors, alongside my desperate desire to make friends, made me a perfect target for bullies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, they are motivated by a desperate desire to hold the UK together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nerves, adrenaline and a desperate desire to smoke put paid to that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It means if we want to stay on top we have to retain a desperate desire to improve".

Independent

"There was this desperate desire to get ahead of the world and make a mark for herself".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperate desire" to convey a powerful, almost uncontrollable yearning for something. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate desire" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Opt for milder synonyms like "strong wish" or "keen interest" in less intense situations to maintain variety and nuance in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "desperate" modifies the noun "desire". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a powerful yearning or need. Ludwig confirms the correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperate desire" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong, almost overwhelming yearning or need. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While its intensity makes it suitable for emphasizing profound longings, overusing it can diminish its impact; therefore, consider milder alternatives like "intense longing" or "strong wish" depending on the context. Key sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its acceptability in reputable publications. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase effectively communicates urgency and profound longing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of yearning.

overwhelming need

Focuses on the necessity or requirement aspect.

burning ambition

Highlights a strong drive for achievement.

fierce yearning

Combines intensity with a sense of longing.

consuming passion

Suggests an all-encompassing and powerful emotion.

urgent craving

Implies an immediate and compelling need.

compelling urge

Highlights the irresistible nature of the desire.

profound hunger

Uses a metaphorical sense of emptiness and need.

insatiable appetite

Emphasizes the inability to be satisfied.

unyielding determination

Focuses on resolve rather than desire.

FAQs

How can I use "desperate desire" in a sentence?

You can use "desperate desire" to describe a strong yearning or need. For example: "Her "desperate desire" for success drove her to work tirelessly."

What are some alternatives to "desperate desire"?

Alternatives include "intense longing", "overwhelming need", or "burning ambition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "desperate desire" too strong a phrase for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In some formal contexts, "strong aspiration" or "keen interest" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "desperate desire" and "strong wish"?

"Desperate desire" implies a sense of urgency and overwhelming need, while "strong wish" suggests a more moderate level of wanting.