secret longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret longing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a deep, often hidden desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: She had a secret longing for adventure that she never shared with anyone. Alternative expressions include "hidden desire" and "unspoken yearning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Then guilt about that secret longing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some secret longing to make the world a better place?

The Economist

As he told another interviewer, political engagement might also moderate Iran over time.A secret longing?

The Economist

I've always harboured a secret longing to try a yoga holiday.

The Times

[Laughs.] Maybe, having grown up in a place that's completely devoid of topography, it's some kind of secret longing.

The New York Times

If you've had a secret longing for some french fries, gravy and squeaky cheese, here's where to find it.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

NF: I did drama at school and loved it and I had secret longings about being an actor.

Independent

History, Mallon suggests, is not a clash of titans but just the magnified effects of ordinary people's secret longings and fears.

The Washington Post

It's all getting a bit much for our hero Tyler/Ricky/Brent/Hugo: his secret longings, his stubborn parents, that boy in the swimming team, the imminent school poetry contest.

The Guardian - Books

By E. B. White The New Yorker, September 22, 1934 P. 15 The National Broadcasting Company has notified us this week that several of their stars are beset by secret longings.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, September 22, 1934 P. 15 The National Broadcasting Company has notified us this week that several of their stars are beset by secret longings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with verbs like "harbor", "confess" or "reveal" to strengthen the narrative impact of the hidden emotion.

Common error

Do not use redundant adjectives like "unseen" or "hidden" alongside "secret" (e.g. "hidden secret longing"). The word "secret" already implies the desire is not visible to others. Instead, focus on describing the object of the longing to add more detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret longing" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the direct object of a sentence or the head of a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently used to describe deeply personal, often unfulfilled desires that the subject keeps hidden from society.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secret longing" is a powerful and versatile English expression that effectively captures the essence of hidden human emotion. Ludwig analysis confirms its widespread use in top-tier publications, where it serves to bridge the gap between external actions and internal motivations. Whether used in fiction to reveal a character's vulnerability or in journalism to analyze cultural desires, it remains a grammatically sound and rhetorically effective choice. Ludwig AI highlights its strong presence in media and literary analysis, marking it as a staple for any writer looking to add psychological nuance to their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden desire

Slightly more direct and less poetic than longing

unspoken yearning

Emphasizes the silence or lack of communication regarding the feeling

concealed craving

Suggests a more visceral or urgent physical need

private ache

Highlights the emotional pain or depth associated with the desire

inward pining

Focuses on the duration and lingering nature of the feeling

undisclosed wish

More formal and often used in professional or specific situational contexts

quiet hunger

A metaphorical variation implying a constant need for fulfillment

covert ambition

Specific to professional or achievement-oriented desires

subconscious urge

Moves the focus to a psychological or involuntary level

veiled aspiration

Suggests a hidden goal or future-oriented desire

FAQs

How do I use "secret longing" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an internal state, such as: "She harbored a "secret longing" to return to her childhood home."

What can I say instead of "secret longing"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "<a href="/s/hidden+desire" target="_blank" rel="alternative">hidden desire", "<a href="/s/unspoken+yearning" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unspoken yearning" or "<a href="/s/private+craving" target="_blank" rel="alternative">private craving".

Is "secret longing" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral to slightly literary. It is frequently found in high-quality journalism and fiction, making it appropriate for most professional and creative writing.

What is the difference between "secret longing" and "covert ambition"?

While both involve hidden desires, a "secret longing" is usually emotional or nostalgic, whereas "<a href="/s/covert+ambition" target="_blank" rel="alternative">covert ambition" specifically refers to hidden goals related to power, career or success.