power-mongering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'power-mongering' is a legitimate word and is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of gaining or maintaining power, usually for selfish reasons, or someone who engages in this kind of behavior. For example, you could say, "The senator was accused of power-mongering for personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Opposed to all this power-mongering and death stands (or waddles) Falstaff.

The New Yorker

Structural change is essential; penguin suits and power-mongering protocol attract neither creativity nor youth.

The Guardian - Music

There is a hint of political allegory in Daemon's power-mongering.

The New York Times - Books

But where would literature be without the wheedling, chiselling, and power-mongering to which money has given rise?

The New Yorker

His extramarital affairs with subordinates were perverse, dishonest, conspiratorial, and exploitative power-mongering — harmful and possibly illegal.

Harvard Business Review

As Alice's beloved Jimmy Ray, Paul Alexander Nolan sings with his customary firm tone, bringing alive his character's angry disdain of his father's power-mongering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Responses to Pope Francis's comments have ranged from enthusiasm from progressive Catholics, to accusations of power mongering from atheists (and vice versa: no doubt conservative Catholics have been disappointed and atheists have sensed a faint ray of hope).

The Guardian - Opinion

It aims to make the nation's current cultural factionalism palpable, pitting the values of the agricultural middle class against the materialism and power mongering of urban bureaucrats and demons.

The New York Times - Arts

"So I know what it's like to live under a power-monger kind of person".

The New Yorker

Those reviled around town, residents say, include "Republican power mongers," "Catholic extremists," even "liberal Jewish mothers".

The New York Times

What's left, then, is a lot of hokum about evil-minded Southern power-mongers and their minions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "power-mongering" to describe situations where individuals or groups are actively and aggressively seeking to increase their control or influence, often at the expense of others.

Common error

Avoid using "power-mongering" when describing genuine leadership qualities focused on collective benefit and ethical governance. The term carries a negative connotation of self-serving ambition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power-mongering" functions primarily as a noun describing the act of aggressively seeking and exerting power, often for personal gain. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts involving politics, business, and social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "power-mongering" is a term used to describe the pursuit and exertion of power, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is a legitimate English term. Its usage is frequent in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, and suggests criticism or condemnation of self-serving behaviors. While the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to consider its implications and the potential for misinterpretation. When you are describing someone's behavior always consider alternatives like "domineering behavior", "grasping for power", or "aggressive ambition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domineering behavior

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of exerting control, rather than the active pursuit of power.

grasping for power

Emphasizes the act of trying to obtain power, often suggesting desperation or opportunism.

aggressive ambition

Highlights the drive and intensity behind the pursuit of goals, including power.

ruthless pursuit of influence

Underscores the lack of compassion or ethical considerations in seeking power.

Machiavellian tactics

Refers to the use of cunning, deceit, and manipulation to achieve political goals.

political maneuvering

Suggests strategic and often subtle actions taken to gain an advantage in a political context.

control-seeking

Emphasizes the desire to be in charge and dictate outcomes.

empire-building

Implies the creation of a large and powerful organization or sphere of influence.

authoritarianism

Refers to a political system characterized by strong central control and limited individual freedoms.

dictatorial tendencies

Suggests a predisposition towards autocratic rule and the suppression of dissent.

FAQs

How is "power-mongering" typically used in a sentence?

The term "power-mongering" is usually used to describe someone's behavior or actions that are perceived as attempts to gain more power, often in a negative or critical way. For example: "The senator was accused of blatant "power-mongering" during the negotiations."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "power-mongering"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "domineering behavior", "grasping for power", or "aggressive ambition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "power-mongering" generally seen as a positive or negative trait?

"Power-mongering" is almost always viewed negatively, implying a selfish and ruthless pursuit of control, rather than a legitimate exercise of leadership.

What's the difference between "power-mongering" and simply being ambitious?

While ambition can be a positive trait referring to a strong desire to achieve something, "power-mongering" suggests a less ethical approach, focusing primarily on gaining power for personal benefit, often through manipulation or exploitation.