hunger for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunger for power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or ambition to gain control or influence over others or situations. Example: "His hunger for power led him to make unethical decisions that ultimately harmed his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Importantly, too, he has energy and a hunger for power.

The Economist

And no one can question her hunger for power.

The Economist

They gave Mr Sarkozy, as one adviser admits, "a hunger for power".

The Economist

Giblin shows how McCarthy stirred up political controversy out of an apparently insatiable hunger for power.

The New York Times - Books

Emperors become emperors for many reasons, and one is the hunger for power.

The New York Times - Sports

But Al's hunger for power wasn't to grind everybody's face in the dirt.

The New York Times - Sports

Like most politicians, Tilden is defined by his hunger for power.

The New Yorker

The problem is that my party doesn't have the hunger for power that the Conservative party does.

The Guardian

They have a hunger for power and they want ever more power.' This, she says, can lead to problems.

The Guardian - Business

This pattern became prominent in early modern Europe, when hunger for power, discovery and expansion fuelled the development of astrophysics.

Nature

In this regard Ms. McKee and Ms. Mitchell's Goneril and Regan become compelling case studies in a toxic hunger for power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hunger for power", consider the connotations. It often implies a negative or excessive desire for control, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While "hunger for power" is a vivid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Vary your language by using synonyms like "desire for power" or "ambition for power" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunger for power" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a strong desire or ambition to gain control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hunger for power" is a commonly used expression to describe a strong desire or ambition for control, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples, its usage is prevalent in news and media, as well as in more formal contexts. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to use it judiciously and to consider alternatives such as "desire for power" to avoid repetition or unintended negative connotations. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to succinctly convey a complex motivation, making it a valuable tool for writers who seek to analyze and critique the dynamics of ambition and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for power

Replaces "hunger" with "desire", a more neutral term for wanting power.

thirst for power

Uses "thirst" as a metaphor for a strong craving for power.

lust for power

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, suggesting a more passionate and possibly uncontrolled craving.

appetite for power

Replaces "hunger" with "appetite", implying a natural and strong inclination towards gaining power.

need for power

Suggests that the desire for power is a fundamental requirement or necessity.

drive for power

Focuses on the internal motivation and energy behind seeking power.

ambition for power

Highlights the aspirational aspect of seeking power.

quest for power

Implies a dedicated and prolonged search or pursuit of power.

craving for power

Emphasizes a strong and persistent desire, almost an addiction, to gain power.

longing for power

Suggests a deep and sentimental yearning for power.

FAQs

How can I use "hunger for power" in a sentence?

You can use "hunger for power" to describe someone's strong desire for control or influence, as in "His "hunger for power" led him to betray his allies".

What are some synonyms for "hunger for power"?

Alternatives include "desire for power", "thirst for power", or "lust for power", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "hunger for power" a positive or negative trait?

It depends on the context. While ambition can be positive, "hunger for power" often suggests a negative or excessive desire for control, potentially leading to unethical behavior.

What's the difference between "hunger for power" and "desire for power"?

"Hunger for power" implies a more intense and potentially insatiable craving, while "desire for power" is a more neutral and general term for wanting influence or control.