quest for oblivion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quest for oblivion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a search or pursuit of forgetting or escaping reality, often in a metaphorical or philosophical context. Example: "In his novel, the protagonist embarks on a quest for oblivion, seeking to escape the pain of his past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is an existential quest for oblivion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Listen to the way we speak: our language has more pet names for our quest for oblivion than it does for love.

The Guardian

The drugs were part of a quest for oblivion, and the sprawling, aggressive sludge that lurched through songs such as We Hate You and Funeralopolis was forged of a complete hatred for everything and everyone.

The Guardian - Music

As elders performed traditional dances yesterday in the shadow of Uluru and boys showed off their spear-throwing skills, he recited a litany of despair: people living 30 to a house, girls sniffing petrol in a quest for oblivion, children leaving school without numeracy and literacy skills, men hanging themselves.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Click once for oblivion.

The Guardian

Kurt Cobain was bound for oblivion.

The New Yorker

I settle somewhere quiet, headphones on, and wait for oblivion.

The Guardian - Music

The Cambridge University expert says that the Arctic ice cap is "heading for oblivion".

BBC

We are headed for Oblivion.

Huffington Post

Furthering the goal of open-ended gameplay, Knights of the Nine, unlike Bethesda's prior content packs for Oblivion, begins with no explicit prodding towards the newly introduced content; players must seek out and find the game's quest without external aid.

Wikipedia

"The designer for Oblivion designed this," he told me.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quest for oblivion", ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of seeking escape or forgetting, rather than a literal desire for death. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe self-destructive behaviors or a desire to avoid facing reality.

Common error

Avoid using "quest for oblivion" casually. It suggests a profound and often disturbing desire for escape from reality. Consider less intense phrases like "seeking distraction" if the context is less severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quest for oblivion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It describes a pursuit or search.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quest for oblivion" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a pursuit of escape from reality or consciousness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is found primarily in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register and communicates a profound desire to escape pain or existential despair. When employing this phrase, it's essential to consider its strong implications and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, which is, a seeking of nothingness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for oblivion

Focuses on the act of looking or seeking, differing from the more active pursuit implied by "quest".

pursuit of oblivion

Highlights the act of chasing or striving towards oblivion, similar to 'quest' but less romanticized.

yearning for oblivion

Emphasizes a deep longing or desire for oblivion, highlighting the emotional aspect.

desire for oblivion

Similar to 'yearning', but with a slightly less intense connotation of longing.

seeking nothingness

Emphasizes the desire for a state of non-existence or emptiness, highlighting the philosophical aspect.

escape from reality

Focuses on escaping from the present, tangible world, rather than the complete erasure implied by oblivion.

longing for non-existence

Highlights the desire for ceasing to exist, emphasizing the philosophical and existential aspects.

flight from consciousness

Emphasizes escaping from awareness or sentience, suggesting a rejection of thought and perception.

self-destructive path

Focuses on behaviors or actions that lead to harm or ruin, rather than a direct desire for oblivion.

death wish

Suggests a desire for death, which is a more extreme and literal interpretation of oblivion.

FAQs

What does "quest for oblivion" mean?

The phrase "quest for oblivion" describes a search or pursuit of forgetting, escaping reality, or achieving a state of nothingness. It often implies a desire to escape pain or difficult circumstances, sometimes through self-destructive means.

How can I use "quest for oblivion" in a sentence?

You can use "quest for oblivion" to describe a character's actions or motivations, such as, "His drinking became a "quest for oblivion", a way to escape the memories that haunted him."

What are some alternatives to "quest for oblivion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "search for forgetfulness", "pursuit of escape", or "yearning for nothingness". These alternatives may convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is "quest for oblivion" always negative?

While "quest for oblivion" often carries negative connotations due to its association with escaping pain and potential self-destruction, it can also be used in a philosophical context to explore themes of existence, non-existence, and the search for meaning. Consider using "quest for peace" or "quest for meaning" for more positive phrases.