lust for attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lust for attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or craving for recognition or visibility from others. Example: "Her constant need to be in the spotlight reveals a deep-seated lust for attention that often overshadows her talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In our age, sartorial flamboyance is often coupled with a lust for attention: Lady Gaga's outlandish footwear helps her stand out in the cluttered pages of celebrity magazines.

The New Yorker

Her lamentation and the events that set it off belong to several juicy Italian narratives, including her indefatigable lust for attention and Mr. Fini's ambitious quest for a more moderate image and mainstream respect.

The New York Times

They said that a range of factors -- a general coarsening of American culture, a lust for attention, the movement of hired guns from one campaign to another and a news media intent on juicy revelations -- have conspired to loosen the lips of politicians' confidants and to spread the whispers fast and far.

The New York Times

Trump's signature was in his words: gratuitously cruel, heedless of all but self, reckless in his lust for attention.

Huffington Post

His constant lust for attention does him in, and this time the freaks get to watch him suffer instead of the other way around.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rick James: Back from jail and lusting for attention.

The New York Times

The cartoon-watching right-wing gamers of the earth should not be given so much airtime to make memes of themselves, which is the only thing they truly desire, and the only style of mucky attention that will ever sate their jejune lust for guffawing attention from other weak-armed Kek-praising snot-nosed losers.

Vice

Is it for attention?

WikiHow

The lust for exploration was accompanied by an almost fanatical attention to visual detail.

The New York Times - Arts

Prosecution and regulation are not mutually exclusive, but political energy and media attention are disproportionately expended by the lust for criminal punishment.

The New York Times

'…if he goes to a day care centre, the lust for life and emotional appeal.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lust for attention", consider the intensity you want to convey. This phrase implies a strong, almost obsessive desire, so ensure it accurately reflects the subject's behavior or motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "lust for attention" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "desire for recognition" would be more appropriate. The strong connotation of "lust" can be perceived as overly critical or informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lust for attention" functions as a noun phrase, where "lust" acts as the head noun and "for attention" serves as a prepositional phrase modifying "lust". It describes a strong craving or desire. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lust for attention" is a phrase used to describe a very strong desire for recognition, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears mostly in News & Media, careful consideration should be given to the intensity it conveys, especially in formal contexts where alternatives like "desire for recognition" might be more appropriate. It's important to be mindful of the potential negative implications and to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. Its use indicates a critical or analytical perspective on the subject's behavior. While grammatically sound, the strength of the word "lust" dictates cautious application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for attention

Changes the intensity; "yearning" suggests a more subdued and perhaps wistful desire compared to the stronger "lust".

desire for recognition

Replaces "lust" with a more formal "desire" and "attention" with "recognition", shifting the focus to acknowledgement of merit.

craving for visibility

"Craving" is used instead of "lust", and the word "visibility" is used in place of "attention", emphasizing the wish to be seen.

need for validation

Moves beyond simple attention to the deeper psychological need for external approval.

hunger for the spotlight

Uses a more metaphorical expression, indicating a desire to be the center of attention.

thirst for applause

Emphasizes the desire for public approval and praise.

passion for fame

Shifts the focus to the broader concept of fame rather than just immediate attention.

eagerness to be noticed

"Eagerness" changes the intensity, indicating a more enthusiastic but less intense desire, and focuses on the act of being noticed.

insatiable desire for acclaim

The adjective insatiable puts more emphasis on the intensity of the desire, focusing on acclaim.

propensity for self-promotion

Focuses on the active behavior of seeking attention rather than the internal desire.

FAQs

What does "lust for attention" mean?

The phrase "lust for attention" describes a very strong desire or craving for recognition, praise, or visibility from others. It suggests an intense need to be noticed and admired.

How can I use "lust for attention" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician's constant need to be in the spotlight revealed a deep-seated "lust for attention" that often overshadowed their policy work." Ensure the context warrants the intensity of the phrase.

What are some alternatives to "lust for attention"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "desire for recognition", "craving for visibility", or "yearning for attention". These options may be more suitable for formal writing.

Is "lust for attention" negative?

The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the individual's desire for attention is excessive or driven by insecurity. However, the negativity depends on the specific context and how the phrase is used.