less desire for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less desire for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in longing or craving for something. Example: "After the breakup, she felt less desire for the lifestyle they once shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's not that they have less desire for freedom.

The New York Times

"In the long run, there will be more, not less, desire for energy," said Omar Abbosh, a senior managing director at the consulting firm Accenture in London.

The New York Times

So perhaps the declining support for unions could be reversed.But less desire for a unionised job is not the only factor pushing down membership.

The Economist

I do know that I don't have any less desire for having won it two years ago: we want to keep on winning".

The Guardian - Sport

Is there less desire for retribution than in the UK? "There is a lot of anger among the Swedish public when it comes to crime and criminals," says Öberg. "But, regardless of what public opinion may be at any one time, whatever you do in the justice sector, you have to take a long-term perspective.

The Guardian

The King's College London team found animals lacking the gene had far less desire for alcohol than those with it.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

You may also want to try substituting a stronger flavored oil that is none-the-less desired for its health benefits.

WikiHow

This might prove easier for you if you have the cash and less desire to be standing about for hours.

WikiHow

Clinically speaking, saturated fatty acids are the less desired compounds for the body.

WikiHow

Younger people (age 13-15 years) showed less desire to know about the cause for their epilepsy and wanted more information on the 'here and now', whereas the older the young person 16-19 yearss) wanted to know about the future including education, employment, marriage and having children [ 39].

BMC Pediatrics

Young men in seersucker suits with vaguely damp hair seemed to be gripped less by desire for the scantily clad women who passed them on Columbus Avenue than by the heat that rose off the sidewalks crowded with booksellers, café-dwellers, and the homeless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less desire for" to express a reduced longing or craving, especially when contrasting it with a previous or expected level of desire. For example, "After the intense training, the athlete had less desire for sugary snacks."

Common error

Avoid using "less desire for" when you actually mean a complete absence of desire. "Less desire for" indicates a reduction, not a complete absence. Use "lack of desire for" when there is no desire at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less desire for" functions as a modifier expressing a reduction in inclination, longing, or craving. It is typically used to describe a change in someone's feelings or preferences towards a particular object, activity, or state. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing a decrease in want.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less desire for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a reduction in wanting or craving something. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral register. Although not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and appropriate. When writing, ensure that you're accurately conveying a reduction in desire rather than a complete absence, and consider alternatives like "reduced inclination towards" for a more formal tone. While the phrase is considered valid, using "lack of desire for" can lead to a misunderstanding of the intended meaning. Despite being used in a variety of contexts, is more usual in sources from "News & Media" and "Science".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced inclination towards

Emphasizes a decrease in general tendency or preference.

diminished appetite for

Specifically refers to a decrease in wanting or enjoying something, often food or experiences.

weakened longing for

Highlights the reduced emotional pull or yearning for something.

decreased interest in

Focuses on a decline in curiosity or engagement.

abated craving for

Implies a lessened, often intense, desire or need.

faded enthusiasm for

Suggests a gradual loss of excitement or passion.

tempered eagerness for

Implies a moderated or controlled anticipation.

limited appetite for

Highlights the scarce quantity of wanting or liking.

restricted interest in

Suggests an intentional constrain in curiosity or engagement.

curtailed inclination towards

Focuses on a cut off in general tendency or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "less desire for" in a sentence?

You can use "less desire for" to indicate a decrease in wanting something. For example, "After watching the documentary, I had "less desire for" fast food".

What's a formal way to say "less desire for"?

A more formal way to express "less desire for" could be "diminished inclination towards" or "reduced appetite for".

What can I say instead of "less desire for"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced inclination towards", "diminished appetite for", or "weakened longing for" depending on the context.

Is "less desire for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less desire for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a decrease in the intensity of a wish or craving. For example, "He had "less desire for" adventure after his accident".