illicit cravings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illicit cravings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe desires or urges that are forbidden or considered wrong, often in a moral or legal context. Example: "She struggled with her illicit cravings for sweets, knowing she was on a strict diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although proven effective at treating addiction and lowering the risk of relapse, disease and death, there are numerous restrictions to MAT, including an arbitrary 100 patient limit for providers who prescribe buprenorphine (an opioid that reduces cravings for illicit drugs).

Huffington Post

But the news is only part of the story and needs to be taken in the context of the greater, more dangerous and terrifying reality: if you stop prescribing an opioid to a person who is dependent, they will have to either medically treat their opioid addiction or use illicit street drugs like heroin to satisfy the overwhelming cravings that are the pathological marker of the disease.

HuffPost

Even among non-dependent cocaine users, visual cues associated with consumption of the illicit drug lead to dopamine release in an area of the brain responsible for cravings, according to research published in the medical journal Scientific Reports.

The Guardian

No cravings for Rummy.

The New York Times

Huge cravings for food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His cravings went berserk.

The New Yorker

Finally, respect your cravings.

Harvard University

MURDER? Illicit enrichment?

The Economist

I did nothing illicit.

The New York Times

People committing illicit acts.

The New Yorker

No sickness or cravings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illicit cravings", ensure the context clearly establishes the moral, ethical, or legal framework being violated. The term is most effective when the forbidden nature of the desire is central to the narrative or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit cravings" for simple preferences or strong desires that lack a genuine element of wrongfulness or illegality. Resist the urge to exaggerate the negativity of a situation by overusing charged language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illicit cravings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "illicit" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "cravings". This denotes desires that are forbidden, illegal, or morally wrong. Since Ludwig doesn't show the examples, we assume that the phrase is used to describe strong, often hidden, desires.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illicit cravings" describes forbidden or morally wrong desires. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage is currently limited within Ludwig's dataset. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to express disapproval of strong desires. Though the phrase is neutral, it carries a negative connotation, implying a transgression of ethical or legal boundaries. Using "illicit cravings" effectively requires careful consideration of the context to accurately convey the nature and severity of the forbidden desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbidden desires

Replaces "illicit" with "forbidden", emphasizing the prohibited nature of the cravings.

unlawful urges

Substitutes "illicit" with "unlawful", highlighting the illegal aspect of the cravings.

immoral longings

Replaces "illicit" with "immoral" and "cravings" with "longings", focusing on the ethical violation.

wrongful appetites

Emphasizes the impropriety of the desires, suggesting they are inherently wrong.

clandestine cravings

Highlights the secrecy and hidden nature of the cravings.

sinful temptations

Emphasizes the religious or moral transgression associated with the cravings.

unsanctioned yearnings

Focuses on the lack of approval or permission for these desires.

guilty pleasures

A more general term for enjoyable activities considered wrong or inappropriate.

secret desires

Focuses on the hidden nature of the cravings, implying shame or discretion.

repressed urges

Highlights the suppression of these desires, suggesting internal conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "illicit cravings" in a sentence?

"Illicit cravings" can describe forbidden desires, such as "She fought against her "illicit cravings" for revenge" or "The novel explores the character's "illicit cravings" for power."

What are some alternatives to "illicit cravings"?

Alternatives include "forbidden desires", "unlawful urges", or "immoral longings", depending on the specific context and the nature of the transgression.

Is it redundant to say "illicit desires" instead of "illicit cravings"?

While "illicit desires" is similar, "illicit cravings" suggests a more intense and persistent yearning. "Desires" is a broader term, while "cravings" implies a strong, almost addictive, pull.

What kind of activities can be associated with "illicit cravings"?

"Illicit cravings" can be associated with activities like drug use, adultery, theft, or any other behavior that violates societal norms, laws, or ethical codes. The term highlights the forbidden aspect of the craving itself.