long-sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "long-sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that has been looked for, sought after, or desired for a long period of time. For example, "The scientists were finally rewarded with the long-sought cure for the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, a long-sought basketball arena was built on campus.

The New York Times

At last, Polanski's long-sought Oscar seemed within reach.

The New Yorker

Second, energy independence is a long-sought national goal.

The New York Times

The long-sought cure for stuttering remains out of reach.

The New Yorker

After that, engineering the long-sought encounter proved comically simple.

The New York Times - Books

The long-sought particle is called the Higgs boson.

The New York Times - Science

Finally, long-sought respect for United States soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

He was awarded his long-sought partnership posthumously.

The New York Times

Later research applies the discovery to quantum computing and the long-sought "qubit".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research at MIT produces long-sought component to allow complete optical circuits on silicon chips.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Alliance Boots gets a long-sought foothold in the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-sought" to emphasize the duration and intensity of the search or desire for something. It adds weight and significance to the achievement or object being described.

Common error

Avoid using "long-sought" when simply describing something that took a long time to complete. "Long-sought" implies a deliberate and persistent effort to find or achieve something specific, not just a lengthy process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-sought" functions as an adjective, typically preceding a noun to describe something that has been looked for, pursued, or desired for a significant amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-sought" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that has been desired or pursued for a considerable time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using "long-sought", ensure it accurately reflects a sustained and intentional effort, rather than simply a lengthy process. Consider alternatives such as "long-awaited" or "much-desired" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-awaited

Focuses more on the anticipation leading up to the arrival or realization of something.

much-desired

Emphasizes the strong desire for something over a period of time.

eagerly anticipated

Highlights the enthusiasm and expectation associated with something.

long-term goal

Specifically refers to an objective planned for the distant future.

cherished dream

Implies a deep emotional connection and personal value attached to the aspiration.

hard-won

Stresses the effort and difficulty involved in obtaining something.

looked forward to

Emphasizes the pleasure and positive expectation of a future event or achievement.

perennial quest

Highlights the continuous and ongoing nature of the search or pursuit.

sustained ambition

Points to prolonged effort towards a major goal.

highly coveted

Focuses on the competitive aspect and the desire of many to possess something.

FAQs

How can I use "long-sought" in a sentence?

The term "long-sought" is used to describe something that has been searched for or desired for a considerable period. For example, "The scientists celebrated their "long-sought" breakthrough in cancer research".

What can I say instead of "long-sought"?

You can use alternatives like "long-awaited", "much-desired", or "eagerly anticipated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "long-sought goal" or "long-sought after goal"?

"Long-sought goal" is more concise and grammatically sound. "Long-sought" already implies a sustained effort or desire, making "after" redundant.

What's the difference between "long-sought" and "hard-won"?

"Long-sought" emphasizes the duration of the search or desire, while "hard-won" highlights the effort and difficulty involved in obtaining something. They are similar but have different focuses.