obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'obsession' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense, all-consuming preoccupation or compulsion. For example, "His obsession with collecting rare coins was consuming all of his free time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is about obsession and, in particular obsessive love, a dark place experienced by many that can drive an individual to ruin.

The Guardian - Film

This seems strange, given that Isabel Allende, among others, has made many references to law-making as a Chilean obsession.

The Guardian - Travel

Alan Whitehead, a Labour MP who sits on the energy and climate select committee, said: "This coalition seems to have an obsession with fracking, to the exclusion of other possibilities, and despite the very clear issues with fracking and the opposition we've seen from local communities.

The Guardian

Cameron's campaign against the EU's treaty-defined "ever-closer union" is not an obsession shared with the other 27 member states.

The Guardian

It was only a strange error that led to the historical obsession with GDP As someone who has worked on these issues for three decades, I have observed that, sadly, most people who criticise the idea of measuring happiness are handicapped by the fact they know little about the research literature on the topic.

The Guardian

DH Society's increasing obsession with retro evidences a popular culture that has more or less run out of ideas; well, that and the aversion of those doing its buying and selling to putting in any kind of effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Like most rock kids of his generation, from an early age he had a working knowledge of electronic music through listening to industrial bands such as Nine Inch Nails, and an obsession with "IDM" ("intelligent dance music"), in particular "anything on Warp Records".

The Guardian - Music

Daily Beast said that "knowing the right people — or having the right look — can get you into the most exclusive of spots" and Vice once claimed that "the concept of the VIP has become a national obsession".

The Guardian

A superb screenplay, co-written by Odets, was the launchpad for Alexander Mackendrick's vividly achieved portrait of obsession and betrayal.

The Guardian - Film

She's also a part of the online "snackwave" phenomenon, which features young women and teenage girls sharing their obsession with snack foods, with Clapp regularly singing her praises of pies and her grandmother's dill pickles.

The Guardian

This obsession with local has fuelled the rise and rise of the farmers' market and farm shop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a harmless interest, consider using milder terms like "passion" or "enthusiasm" instead of "obsession" to avoid negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using the word "obsession" too frequently in your writing; it can make your descriptions sound repetitive and melodramatic. Try to vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "fixation", "passion", or "preoccupation".

Linguistic Context

The noun "obsession" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a state of being preoccupied with something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English, indicating its appropriateness for diverse contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Film

20%

Music

15%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Arts

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "obsession" denotes an intense and often irrational preoccupation, serving as a noun within sentences, and used to communicate the depth of interest or focus. While Ludwig AI states that the word is correct and usable in written English, it's important to note that its connotations can range from harmless passion to unhealthy fixation. The word is frequently employed in News & Media, Film, and Music contexts. Alternatives like "compulsive fixation" or "consuming passion" can offer different shades of meaning. Be mindful of overusing "obsession" in writing and vary your vocabulary to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compulsive fixation

Emphasizes the uncontrollable nature and fixed focus of the preoccupation.

intense preoccupation

Stresses the deep and absorbing nature of the focus.

obsessive thought

Highlights the repetitive and intrusive nature of the preoccupation.

consuming passion

Highlights the intensity and all-encompassing nature of the interest.

fixated interest

Underscores the focused and unwavering nature of the attention.

uncontrollable urge

Focuses on the irresistible nature of the desire or impulse.

ruling passion

Indicates a dominant and governing interest in one's life.

driving force

Suggests that the interest is a primary motivator for action.

enslaving addiction

Emphasizes the dependency and loss of control associated with the interest.

infatuation

Suggests a more superficial or temporary form of intense interest.

FAQs

How can I use "obsession" in a sentence?

You can use "obsession" to describe an intense, all-consuming preoccupation. For example, "His "obsession" with vintage cars took up all of his free time."

What are some synonyms for "obsession"?

Synonyms for "obsession" include "fixation", "compulsion", "preoccupation", and "mania", each carrying slightly different connotations.

What is the difference between "obsession" and "interest"?

"Interest" implies a mild curiosity or engagement, while "obsession" suggests an intense, often irrational, and all-consuming preoccupation.

Is "obsession" always negative?

While often used in a negative context to describe unhealthy fixations, "obsession" can sometimes describe a harmless, albeit intense, passion or dedication. However, using words like "passion" or "enthusiasm" can be more appropriate.