driven by ego

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven by ego" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or motivations that are influenced by a person's self-importance or desire for recognition. Example: "His decisions in the project were often driven by ego, rather than the best interests of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was just driven by ego.

Independent

Unlike Cowher and Gruden, Dungy is not driven by ego.

The New York Times - Sports

His impulse to load audiences up isn't driven by ego.

The New York Times

Was it driven by ego — the idea that you could find the next superstar?

Princeton University

A man driven by ego and idealism — can anyone ever distinguish the two?

The New York Times

"I've never been driven by ego," Mr. Duffy, 56, said in a recent interview.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In my opinion your motives are driven by self serving factors around ego satisfaction and "making a buck".

TechCrunch

Just reposition them as primarily sports events rather than TV extravaganzas driven by nationalistic ego puffery.

The New York Times

The service is also hierarchical and rank-conscious, and like other organisations can be driven by fear, ego and control.

The Guardian - Opinion

The desire to hunt – especially for "ornaments" such as heads or horns – is often explained by detractors as being driven by male ego.

The Guardian

Some were afraid it would stop Ferrante from ever writing again, saying the story had been driven by the ego of the reporter and the New York Review of Books.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driven by ego", consider the intensity you want to convey. While it generally implies a negative motivation, the degree can vary. Ensure it aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid consistently attributing complex behaviors solely to "driven by ego". While ego can play a role, acknowledge other potential factors for a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by ego" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used adjectivally to modify a noun or pronoun. It characterizes the motivation or impetus behind someone's actions, indicating that ego or self-importance is the primary driving force. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driven by ego" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions motivated by self-importance or a need for recognition. Analysis indicates that it appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by academic and formal business contexts. While it often carries a negative connotation, its specific nuance depends on the context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When using "driven by ego", consider alternatives like "motivated by pride" or "fueled by vanity" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by pride

Simplifies the motivation to a general feeling of self-satisfaction and importance.

motivated by self-importance

Focuses more explicitly on the self-centered nature of the motivation.

fueled by vanity

Highlights the role of excessive pride in driving actions.

guided by egotism

Highlights the focus on oneself and one's own interests.

prompted by arrogance

Emphasizes the presumptuous and superior attitude behind the motivation.

led by conceitedness

Specifies the motivation as resulting from holding an unduly high opinion of oneself.

powered by self-regard

Underscores the consideration for oneself as the main driver.

actuated by hubris

Implies an excessive level of pride leading to downfall.

inspired by self-admiration

Draws attention to the source of the action being admiration of self.

influenced by inflated self-image

Highlights the unrealistic and exaggerated perception of oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "driven by ego" in a sentence?

You can use "driven by ego" to describe actions or decisions motivated by self-importance or a desire for recognition. For example, "His decisions were "driven by ego", not the team's best interests."

What are some alternatives to "driven by ego"?

Alternatives include phrases like "motivated by pride", "fueled by vanity", or "prompted by arrogance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "driven by ego" always negative?

While often negative, implying selfish or arrogant motivations, the connotation depends on context. In some cases, a healthy ego can drive ambition and success, but "driven by ego" usually suggests an unhealthy level of self-focus.

What's the difference between "driven by ego" and "ambitious"?

"Ambitious" describes a strong desire for success or achievement. "Driven by ego" implies that the primary motivation is self-aggrandizement or the need for external validation, which may lead to unethical or harmful behavior.