lust

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lust" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as a verb or a noun to mean intense and uncontrollable desire, usually in a sexual context. For example: "He felt a strong lust for her instantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blank Space is her bunny-boiler anthem where she doesn't entirely convince us she's driven insane by lust into courting a series of players – and its minimalist verses make for a rather tempered, non-bombastic opener.

The Guardian - Music

As part of a growing threat to the Seven Kingdoms from beyond the Wall, what will her lust for vengeance mean?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Leaning towards him, Savulescu whispers, "No, Anders, the first one's lust".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, anyway, humans are messy: the attraction, lust and attachment phases get blended together".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Personally, I've stuck with the show for the imaginative plotlines and strong characterisation – and very much despite the irksome "medieval" costumes (groan), stupid dragons (eye roll) and risible levels of female nudity that reduce it to soft porn for schoolboys (overgrown and otherwise) presumably too emotionally stunted to lust properly over, say, Lara Croft.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rubens and His Legacy is arranged according to a series of themes that sum up aspects of Rubens, including "Poetry", "Power", "Lust" and "Violence".

The Guardian - Arts

Barnett plays with extremes: her shape-shifting vocals, sometimes multi-tracked to heavenly effect, enable her to seem as strong as a statue or as fragile as glass within the space of a single song as she explores lust, obsession, loneliness and tormented self-examination with unnerving precision.

The Guardian - Music

A drug that boosted lust, Sandberg says, would not have been terribly interesting, while something that made you fall in love with the next person who walked through the door would, he admits, "be, ethically, a very stupid thing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a degree of relish in her voice as she talks me through the journey on which Orlando goes, the way the character's life is reflected in lovers taken along the way, the way she is briefly "consumed by sex, by what Woolf called the vulture of lust", the way "she learns from the world" and the way in which Orlando, ultimately, "becomes herself in the end".

The Guardian

Nicolas Winding Refn's Only God Forgives will further fan a flame of global lust for Gosling after this month's release of The Place Beyond the Pines.

The Guardian - Film

The rape jokes which are its apotheosis don't represent uncontrolled lust – they're the aggression bred by lost entitlement and the need for someone to blame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lust" to accurately convey intense desire, ensuring the context clarifies whether it's sexual or a general longing. Consider stronger or more nuanced words if the intensity isn't the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "lust" when a milder term like "desire" or "want" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can weaken your message and create unintended connotations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lust" is to act as both a noun, denoting a strong sexual desire, and a verb, indicating the act of experiencing this desire. This is supported by Ludwig, which offers examples showcasing both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lust" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to convey an intense desire, often of a sexual nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While its grammatical status is correct, its appropriateness depends heavily on context, with greater prevalence in news and media compared to formal academic settings. To effectively use "lust", writers should consider the level of intensity they wish to convey and choose more nuanced terms when milder desires are meant. Synonyms like "desire", "craving", or "passion" offer alternatives for diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense desire

Focuses on the strong feeling of wanting something without necessarily implying a sexual connotation.

sexual desire

Specifically refers to the yearning for sexual gratification, removing any ambiguity.

strong craving

Highlights the addictive quality of wanting something intensely, whether a substance or an experience.

passionate longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of wanting something, adding a touch of romanticism.

burning desire

Conveys the intensity and consuming nature of wanting something intensely.

insatiable appetite

Implies a never-ending hunger for something, suggesting a lack of satisfaction.

uncontrollable urge

Highlights the difficulty of resisting the desire, suggesting a lack of willpower.

consuming passion

Focuses on how the desire dominates one's thoughts and actions.

yearning desire

Implies a deep and emotional want, often for something unattainable.

fervent craving

Combines intensity with enthusiasm, suggesting an eager pursuit of the desired object.

FAQs

How is "lust" typically used in a sentence?

"Lust" can be used as a noun, referring to intense sexual desire, or as a verb, meaning to feel a strong sexual desire. For example, "He felt a strong sense of lust" or "He lusted after her".

What are some synonyms for "lust" that I can use?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lust" include "desire", "craving", "passion", "longing", or "yearning".

Is it appropriate to use the word "lust" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using "lust" in formal writing depends on the specific context. In academic or scientific writing, it may be acceptable if used to describe a specific psychological or physiological phenomenon. However, in general business or professional contexts, it may be too strong or suggestive.

What is the difference between "lust" and "love"?

"Lust" primarily refers to intense sexual desire or attraction, often without emotional attachment. In contrast, "love" encompasses a broader range of emotions, including affection, care, commitment, and intimacy, which may or may not include sexual desire.