power hunger

USAGE SUMMARY

"power hunger" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It describes a strong desire for power or control over others. It can be used in various contexts, such as political or personal situations. Example: The corrupt politician's power hunger led him to make unethical decisions for personal gain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was permission to focus on what turned them on, rather than what was politically correct, a way of appropriating the lust and power hunger that feminist doctrine had deemed male.

The New Yorker

As Mr Ali entered the church, a lone piper played "Amazing Grace" at its door.During the debate that followed your columnist heard some things with which he agreed concerning the power hunger and remoteness of the British state and a lot with which he did not.

The Economist

Power hunger.

Forbes

Doers and doings in business, entertainment and technology: The ballooning power hunger of computer chips could boost heat generation astronomically, warned Intel's tech maven Patrick Gelsinger Patrick Gelsinger.

Forbes

The purge of Bo Xilai himself, perhaps justifiable given his narcissistic power hunger, was both ham-handed and extralegal.

Huffington Post

Too many of us have the expectation that people in their own power hunger only want to hear echoes -- that is until the next breakdown occurs in our cultural fads.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Though Astaroth has consistently pursued the sword, his character has changed as the series progresses, eventually transforming into a power hungering creature desiring to consume the sword.

Wikipedia

There is a widespread belief among Arabs that a United States occupation of Iraq would be aimed at securing Iraqi oil supplies, echoing the imperial powers hunger for raw resources in decades past.

The New York Times

Mr O'Neill, the son of an Irish-Australian kiap (district officer), promises to lead a government no longer based on "materialism and power-hunger".

The Economist

North Korea's claim to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb has been widely denounced as both irresponsible and irrational – proof of the folly of an inexperienced but power-hunger leader eager to celebrate his 33rd birthday.

The Guardian

At times I craved the sensory thrill of historical realism, but van Hove's production highlights Shakespeare's profound understanding of the role of naked power-hunger in the body politic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's motivation, use "power hunger" to illustrate a deep-seated desire for control rather than mere ambition.

Common error

Avoid using "power hunger" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "lust for power" or "craving for power" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power hunger" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It encapsulates the intense desire or craving for authority and control, as validated by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power hunger" effectively captures the intense desire for control and authority. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically sound and usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage spans across News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias, as evidenced by the examples. When writing, remember that using "power hunger" to illustrate character motivation is effective, but avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "lust for power" or "craving for power" for a richer writing experience. Finally, understand the context. The term itself is neutral; its negative or positive connotation depends on the actions taken under its influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lust for power

Emphasizes the intense, passionate desire for power, similar to a strong craving.

craving for power

Highlights the addictive and compelling nature of seeking power.

ambition for control

Focuses on the desire to manage and direct situations and people.

drive for dominance

Underscores the aggressive pursuit of being in a superior position.

thirst for authority

Emphasizes the yearning for recognized power and leadership.

yearning for control

Highlights a deep and persistent longing to be in charge.

appetite for power

Compares the desire for power to a basic need or desire.

greed for power

Indicates an excessive and selfish desire for power.

insatiable desire for control

Emphasizes that the need for control cannot be satisfied.

relentless pursuit of authority

Highlights the continuous and determined effort to gain power.

FAQs

How to use "power hunger" in a sentence?

You can use "power hunger" to describe a strong desire for control or authority, as in: "His "power hunger" drove him to betray his allies".

What's a more formal way to say "power hunger"?

A more formal alternative to "power hunger" could be "ambition for control" or "drive for dominance", depending on the specific context.

Is "power hunger" always negative?

While often associated with negative connotations like corruption and ruthlessness, "power hunger" itself is a neutral term. The morality depends on how that desire for power is acted upon.

What's the difference between "power hunger" and ambition?

"Power hunger" suggests a potentially obsessive and uncontrolled desire for control, while ambition typically implies a more directed and measured aspiration for success.