hungry for purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hungry for purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for meaning or direction in life or work. Example: "After years of working in a job that felt unfulfilling, she found herself hungry for purpose and ready to make a change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A: I'm hungry for purpose.

Independent

Employees and customers are hungry for purpose.

Forbes

Everyone is hungry for purpose, creative living, inner joy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A society without heroes is a society in moral peril, and our children are hungry for role models who can give their lives purpose.

Huffington Post

As I sat in the audience of thousands, surrounded by celebrities and "normal folks" like myself, watching heads nod and jaws drop, seeing individuals taking frantic notes and others with their eyes glued to the stage, I realized that we as people are truly, desperately hungry for meaning and purpose, and we have entered an era where systems and structures no longer benefit us.

Huffington Post

Fit for purpose Deficit?

The Economist

Look for purpose.

WikiHow

Not hungry for dinner?

The New York Times

Hungry for more?

The New York Times

Hungry for meat?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are hungry for glory.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "hungry for purpose" when you want to convey a strong, almost visceral need for meaning and direction in your life or work. It suggests a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and a proactive desire to find something more fulfilling.

Common error

Be careful not to equate being "hungry for purpose" with simply being ambitious or career-driven. Purpose implies a deeper sense of meaning and contribution, while ambition is often focused on personal achievement and advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hungry for purpose" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied, such as 'someone' or 'people'). It describes a state of actively seeking or desiring meaning and direction in one's life or work. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hungry for purpose" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong desire for meaning and direction, as affirmed by Ludwig. Though relatively rare, the phrase appears predominantly in News & Media sources. Alternatives such as "yearning for meaning" or "seeking fulfillment" offer nuanced ways to express this sentiment. When using the phrase, remember to differentiate between a genuine quest for purpose and mere ambition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that it encapsulates a deep longing for significance in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for meaning

Replaces "hungry" with "yearning", emphasizing a deep longing for significance.

thirsty for meaning

Uses "thirsty" instead of "hungry" as metaphor of wanting.

seeking fulfillment

Focuses on the act of finding satisfaction and completion.

desiring purposefulness

Transforms "purpose" into an adjective, highlighting the quality of being purposeful.

craving a sense of direction

Shifts from "purpose" to "direction", suggesting a need for guidance.

longing for significance

Emphasizes the desire to make a meaningful impact.

searching for meaning in life

Expands the scope to life in general, rather than a specific task or goal.

motivated by a cause

Highlights the drive to work towards something important.

driven by a mission

Similar to being motivated by a cause, but with a stronger sense of personal responsibility.

inspired to make a difference

Focuses on the positive impact one wants to have.

FAQs

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

You can use "hungry for purpose" to describe someone who is actively seeking meaning and direction in their life or work. For example: "After years of unfulfilling work, she felt "hungry for purpose" and decided to pursue a career in social work".

What's the difference between "hungry for purpose" and "seeking fulfillment"?

While both phrases relate to a desire for satisfaction, "hungry for purpose" implies a specific need for meaning and direction, often related to one's impact on the world. "Seeking fulfillment" is a broader term that encompasses finding satisfaction in various aspects of life, not necessarily tied to a grander purpose.

What are some alternatives to saying "hungry for purpose"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "yearning for meaning", "seeking fulfillment", or "desiring purposefulness". Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the original phrase.

Is it correct to say someone is "thirsty for purpose" instead of "hungry for purpose"?

Yes, "thirsty for purpose" is a valid and similar expression. Both "hungry" and "thirsty" are used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or longing. The choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference.