desperate for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate for success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong desire or urgent need to achieve success in various contexts, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or competitive situations. Example: "After years of hard work and setbacks, she felt desperate for success and was willing to do whatever it took to reach her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Not always desperate for success in this tournament, it could be different this time.

The Guardian - Sport

Other comics are as desperate for success as Mr. Cook, but they hide it better.

The New York Times - Arts

Early on, in the late 80's, Mr. Reilly was desperate for success.

The New York Times

Whereas Murray was desperate for success, Nadal came here with it falling out of his kitbag.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina may be the side most desperate for success, but Uruguay will be equally determined to stop them.

The Guardian - Sport

The hosts are desperate for success having failed to get beyond the group stage last time they staged the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

These setbacks made Nixon more desperate for successes abroad.

The New Yorker

It was as though Rusedski could not cope with the intolerable pressure he has heaped on himself with his desperate quest for success at this US Open.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Brooks suggests it would help his young example if "one of her parents died when she was 12," because he imagines this would infuse her with insecurity and a "desperate need for success".

The New York Times

It would also help if one of her parents died when she was 12, infusing her with a profound sense of insecurity and fueling a desperate need for success.

The New York Times

Once inside Scott Pask's three-tiered set — a beehive of beefcake with a steam bath centered amid a score of numbered crimson hotel-room doors — Proclo is set upon by a series of sex-crazed boys and a deluded no-talent Latina singer, Googie Gomez Rosie Perezz), who in her own desperate struggle for success is prepared to believe that Proclo is a producer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports writing, use "desperate for success" when a team or player faces immense pressure to perform and achieve victory, often after a series of failures.

Common error

While "desperate for success" is impactful, overuse can diminish its effect. Vary your language by using synonyms like "determined to achieve" or "hungry for victory" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate for success" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of intense yearning or urgent need for achievement. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

33%

General

23%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperate for success" effectively conveys a potent yearning for achievement, typically born from pressure, past failures, or a strong sense of urgency. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Common across news, sports, and general contexts, this phrase is suitable for expressing the intense desire for positive outcomes. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms such as "yearning for achievement" or "hungry for victory". The frequency and diverse source material confirm that "desperate for success" is a common and well-understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for achievement

Emphasizes a deep longing for accomplishment.

hungry for victory

Highlights a strong desire to win.

eager for triumph

Focuses on the enthusiasm and anticipation of winning.

craving success

Implies a strong need or desire for positive outcomes.

determined to achieve

Highlights resolve and commitment towards reaching goals.

ambitious for accomplishment

Focuses on the drive to attain significant achievements.

driven to succeed

Emphasizes the internal motivation pushing someone towards success.

avid for progress

Highlights a strong enthusiasm for advancement and improvement.

resolute in pursuit of success

Emphasizes unwavering determination in seeking favorable outcomes.

thirsting for recognition

Highlights a strong desire to gain acknowledgement of your achievements.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperate for success" to describe someone or something that has a strong need or desire to achieve success in any field. Example: "The team was "desperate for success" after years of defeats".

What are some synonyms for "desperate for success"?

Alternatives to "desperate for success" include "yearning for achievement", "hungry for victory", or "eager for triumph" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "desperate for success" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "determined to achieve" or "ambitious for accomplishment" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "desperate for success" and "eager for success"?

"Desperate for success" implies a greater sense of urgency and need, often after experiencing setbacks. "Eager for success" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation, without necessarily implying prior hardship.