hungry for power

USAGE SUMMARY

"hungry for power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is motivated and ambitious, often to the point of selfishness or immorality. For example, "He was a ruthless politician, hungry for power and willing to do anything to get it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hungry for power, Agrippina had been planning a coup.

The New Yorker

But Mr Berlusconi, hungry for power, is baying for an election as soon as possible.

The Economist

No character in Shakespeare is as hungry for power as Richard III.

The New York Times

This was not surprising — politicians hungry for power have long exploited Kenya's ethnic divisions with impunity.

The New York Times

His supporters in the largely Christian south say the rebels are simply hungry for power.

The New York Times

So hungry for power that she put up with a bad marriage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Its clients have since grown hungrier for power than political reform.

The Economist

Both boys grow to loathe each other as the days pass, with Jack getting hungrier for power.

The Guardian

Yet he is hungry also for power and pleasure.

The Economist

Mao Zedong, who was caricatured as the deranged effeminate kung fu master "Invincible East" in Xiao Ao Jiang Hu ("The Smiling and Proud Wanderer"), was not amused to find his slogans coming straight from the mouths of grotesque characters hungry only for power and blood.

The Economist

A peasant's son and a teenage lathe operator, he was talent-spotted by a communist regime which, installed by Soviet military force, was hungry for brain power.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hungry for power", ensure the context clearly indicates whether this ambition is viewed positively (e.g., a leader striving to improve society) or negatively (e.g., a dictator seeking total control). Clarity will prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "hungry for power" in contexts where a milder term like "ambitious" would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can create an impression of excessive negativity or ruthlessness where it's not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hungry for power" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something characterized by a strong desire for control. Ludwig examples show it modifying politicians, characters in literature, and organizations. Ludwig AI validates its usage as a descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hungry for power" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone with a strong desire for control and authority. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, from political analysis to character descriptions in literature. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While often carrying negative connotations, the phrase's interpretation hinges on the context and the actions of the individual described. Related phrases, such as "power-hungry" and "ambitious for control", offer nuanced alternatives. When using "hungry for power", clarity is crucial to avoid unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power-hungry

A compound adjective directly equivalent to the original phrase, emphasizing a strong desire for control.

ambitious for control

Replaces "hungry" with "ambitious" and "power" with "control", retaining the core meaning with slightly different wording.

grasping for authority

Shifts focus from power to authority, suggesting an eagerness to seize control, especially when such authority is not rightfully theirs.

yearning for dominance

Emphasizes a deep longing for supremacy, suggesting a more emotional and less calculated pursuit of power.

coveting influence

Highlights the desire for influence rather than direct power, implying a more subtle and manipulative approach.

aspiring to high office

Specifies the context of political ambition, aiming for a position of authority and influence.

seeking command

Focuses on the active pursuit of leadership and control over others.

longing to lead

Expresses a strong desire to be in charge and guide others, highlighting the motivational aspect of leadership.

driven by ambition

Indicates that a strong desire for success and advancement is the primary motivator.

acquisitive for authority

Uses 'acquisitive' to underline the drive to acquire something - in this case authority - and hold it

FAQs

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

You can use "hungry for power" to describe someone with a strong desire for control or authority, such as: "The politician was "hungry for power" and would do anything to win the election."

What's a good alternative to "hungry for power"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "power-hungry", "ambitious for control", or "grasping for authority".

Is it always negative to be described as "hungry for power"?

While often used negatively, describing someone as "hungry for power" can sometimes be neutral or even positive, depending on the context. It hinges on whether their ambition leads to beneficial or detrimental actions.

What's the difference between "hungry for power" and "ambitious"?

"Ambitious" generally implies a desire for success or achievement, while "hungry for power" specifically denotes a strong desire for control and authority, often with negative connotations. Someone who is "hungry for power" is very ambitious, but not all ambitious people are necessarily "hungry for power".