power hungry

USAGE SUMMARY

'power hungry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone who seems to have a strong drive to accumulate power, or to have control over others. For example: He was so power hungry that he was willing to sacrifice his integrity in order to gain an advantage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Pot is power hungry.

The Guardian

Everyone is selfish, power hungry, and awful.

The New Yorker

Lodge viewed Wilson as power hungry.

The New York Times

"Keith was power hungry," says one.

The Guardian

Listeners accused the government of being power hungry and vengeful.

The New York Times

He didn't come across as arrogant, heartless or power hungry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They are power-hungry," she eventually continues.

Independent

How power-hungry was Caesar?

The New York Times

That makes electron rings extremely power-hungry.

The Economist

All three are young and power-hungry.

The Economist

Data centres are power-hungry beasts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as "power hungry", provide specific examples of their behavior that demonstrate this trait. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "power hungry" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "ambitious", "grasping", or "domineering" to add nuance and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power hungry" functions primarily as an adjective describing a noun, either a person or a thing, that has a strong desire for power or consumes a lot of energy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.25%

Reference

3.125%

Social Media

3.125%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power hungry" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something with an excessive desire for power or energy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Wiki sources. When using "power hungry", consider providing specific examples to support your claims and avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "ambitious" or "energy-intensive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thirsting for power

Uses metaphorical language to emphasize the strong desire for power.

power-seeking

A more neutral and descriptive alternative.

voracious

Suggests an insatiable appetite for something, including power.

grasping

Emphasizes greed and selfishness in the pursuit of power.

domineering

Highlights the act of exerting control over others.

ambitious

A general term for having a strong desire for success or achievement; less negative connotation than "power hungry".

authoritarian

Describes someone who favors strict obedience to authority.

control freak

Focuses specifically on the desire to control others.

politically motivated

Highlights the political ambition behind actions.

energy-intensive

Specifically describes a process or system that requires a lot of energy.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "power hungry"?

Being "power hungry" means having a strong desire for control, influence, or authority, often to an excessive degree. It can describe individuals seeking political office or organizations aiming for market dominance.

How can I use the phrase "power hungry" in a sentence?

You might say, "The dictator was a "thirsting for power" leader who suppressed all opposition" or "The new technology was so "energy-intensive" that it strained the electrical grid."

What are some synonyms for "power hungry" when describing a person?

Depending on the specific context, you could use words like "ambitious", "domineering", "grasping", or "control freak". Each of these words has slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it ever appropriate to describe a device or technology as "power hungry"?

Yes, "power hungry" can describe devices or technologies that consume a lot of electricity or energy. In this context, "energy-intensive" is a very suitable synonym.