power addiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power addiction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive desire or compulsion for power, often in a negative context. Example: "His power addiction led him to make unethical decisions in order to maintain control over the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Power addiction?

The New York Times

In other words, it overcomes power addiction and global degeneration, and instead rediscovers alternative forms of generative power and love.

The Guardian

What you're really in for is a claustrophobic and sad and sometimes grandiose record, full of woozy tones — including Ms. Badu's own vibrato — and boiling ideas about institutional racism, the abuse of power, addiction and poverty.

The New York Times - Arts

These include status, power, addiction to drugs or gambling, and sexual gratification, as well as economic gain.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Doraemon, a chubby, perennially cheerful cat from the 22nd century, has charmed generations of Japanese fans with his teleportation powers, addiction to sweet bean pancakes and array of ingenious gadgets he uses to help his hapless schoolboy friend, Nobita.

The Guardian

The robotic cat from the future has attracted legions of fans at home in Japan and other countries – including China – with his teleportation powers, addiction to sweet bean pancakes and array of ingenious gadgets he uses to help his hapless schoolboy friend, Nobita.

The Guardian

She has been regarded as both a human train wreck and a symbol for the power of addiction recovery programs.

The New York Times

The Power of Addiction "At some point, the athlete has a choice to stop or keep going," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Many, in fact, never stopped hanging out in the drug-associated locale, a rather poignant reminder of the power of addiction.

The New York Times

That is one of many scenes illustrating the power of addiction to rule people's lives and spoil their good times.

The New York Times

For instance, the woman holding a baby illustrates the dangers of secondhand smoke, while the man smoking through a tracheotomy hole in his neck illustrates the power of addiction.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "power addiction", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative consequences or ethical compromises resulting from the excessive desire for power. It’s most effective when illustrating a character flaw or a societal problem.

Common error

Avoid using "power addiction" interchangeably with healthy ambition. While both involve a desire for advancement, "power addiction" implies an unhealthy and potentially destructive obsession, whereas ambition is generally seen as a positive trait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power addiction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a state or condition of being addicted to power. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "power addiction" is a noun phrase used to describe an unhealthy and compulsive desire for power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting ethical compromises and destructive behaviors. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's found in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "obsession with power" or "power hunger" for nuanced expression. Avoid confusing it with healthy ambition. Always be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power hunger

A more concise and direct way to express a strong desire for power.

obsession with power

Replaces "addiction" with "obsession", emphasizing the compulsive nature of the desire for power.

craving for power

Substitutes "addiction" with "craving", highlighting the intense desire for power.

lust for power

Replaces "addiction" with "lust", emphasizing the passionate and often immoral pursuit of power.

dependence on power

Focuses on the reliance and perceived need for power, similar to a substance dependence.

insatiable desire for power

Highlights the unyielding and never-satisfied nature of the desire for power.

unhealthy fixation on power

Emphasizes the detrimental and obsessive nature of focusing on power.

compulsion for control

Shifts the focus from power itself to the desire for control that often accompanies it.

drive to dominate

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of seeking power: the desire to dominate others.

power-seeking behavior

Describes the actions and strategies employed to acquire and maintain power.

FAQs

How can I use "power addiction" in a sentence?

You can use "power addiction" to describe someone whose life is negatively affected by their need to be in control or to have authority over others. For example, "His "power addiction" led him to manipulate his colleagues to maintain his position."

What's a good alternative to "power addiction"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "obsession with power", "lust for power", or "power hunger". Each carries slightly different connotations related to the intensity and morality of the desire.

Is "power addiction" a recognized psychological disorder?

No, "power addiction" is not a formal diagnosis in psychological manuals like the DSM. It's a metaphorical term used to describe behaviors and tendencies that resemble addiction but are related to the pursuit and maintenance of power.

How does "power addiction" differ from normal ambition?

"Power addiction" implies a compulsive and often destructive need for control, where ethical boundaries are compromised to maintain authority. Normal ambition, while also involving a desire for advancement, typically respects ethical and moral standards.