no desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"no desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of interest in something. For example, "I have no desire to go out tonight".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had no desire to. . .

The New York Times

I have no desire to.

Independent

No plans, and no desire.

The New Yorker

No desire but her.

The New York Times

"There was no desire".

The New York Times - Sports

He has no desire for deification.

The New York Times

She had no desire to confront reporters.

The New Yorker

Jock showed no desire to move.

The New Yorker

"We have no desire to be Kentucky".

The New York Times - Sports

The military has no desire to talk.

The New York Times

Stromae had no desire to escape mortality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no desire" to clearly and directly express a lack of interest or motivation, avoiding ambiguity. For emphasis, consider using stronger synonyms like "aversion" or "repulsion" when appropriate.

Common error

Be mindful that expressing "no desire" for something doesn't necessarily imply active opposition. Ensure the context clarifies whether you are simply disinterested or actively against something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no desire" functions as a noun phrase expressing the absence of wanting or wishing for something. As seen in Ludwig, it frequently modifies verbs to indicate a lack of intention or willingness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a lack of interest or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "no desire", ensure clarity regarding whether you mean simple disinterest or active opposition. Consider alternatives like "lack of interest" or "no inclination" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of interest

Focuses on the absence of interest rather than a conscious rejection of desire.

lack of motivation

Focuses on the absence of drive to achieve a goal.

absence of longing

Emphasizes the lack of yearning or deep wanting.

no inclination

Similar to disinclination, but can also imply a lack of natural talent.

no enthusiasm

Indicates a lack of excitement or passion.

disinclination

Highlights a slight aversion or unwillingness.

unwillingness

Highlights a reluctance to do something.

no appetite for

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or enthusiasm for something specific.

apathy

Indicates a general lack of emotion or concern, including desire.

indifference

Suggests a neutral stance, without strong feelings either way.

FAQs

How can I use "no desire" in a sentence?

You can use "no desire" to express a lack of interest or motivation towards something. For example, "I have "no desire" to travel anywhere." or "He showed "no desire" to participate."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "no desire"?

Some alternatives include "lack of interest", "no inclination", or "unwillingness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "no desire" or "lack of desire"?

"No desire" and "lack of desire" are largely interchangeable. "No desire" might sound slightly more direct, while "lack of desire" can feel a bit more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does it mean when someone says they have "no desire"?

It typically indicates they are not interested in or motivated to do something. The intensity can vary depending on context, ranging from mild disinterest to strong aversion.