selfless determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selfless determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong commitment or resolve to achieve something without regard for one's own interests or benefits. Example: "Her selfless determination to help others in need inspired everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Clearly though, he has guts, heart, drive and selfless determination.

Independent

The U.S. Department of the Navy presents Harvard President Drew Faust with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, its highest civilian honor, for the "selfless determination" she displayed in leading the move to formal recognition of the Reserve Officers Training Corpss on Harvard's campus after the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy was repealed in 2011.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For example, in Buddhist traditions, the 10 "perfections" (Pali paramis) -- generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, effort, patience, truthfulness, strong determination, selfless love, and equanimity -- are the moment-by-moment qualities practiced by those on the Buddha's Eightfold Path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Yale University

For example, if, as in the Buddhist tradition, the ultimate destination of your personal Path is enlightenment, then your intention with each step would need to reflect generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, effort, tolerance, truth, strong determination, selfless love, and equanimity (the 10 parami).

Yale University

Her youthful "odes to the wind and moon had been replaced by devoted words about steely determination and selfless sacrifice.

The New York Times - Books

It's a result of relentless determination and being incredibly selfless.

Huffington Post

Lichota's conviction and determination speaks volumes about her selfless desire to help people and communities that are languishing in remote corners of the world.

Huffington Post

This is the classic story of how not finishing first -- or second, or third -- or not even technically completing a racing event can still represent a triumph and be a touching story of true grit, determination and, above all, of selfless devotion to a cause.

HuffPost

She exerted pressure on those in positions of patronage or influence with determination, but motivated always by her passionate, selfless belief in art.

The Guardian

Thanks to the passion, dedication and determination of Tiana and her skilled and selfless crew, "From Hollywood to Hanoi" accomplishes its goals.

Los Angeles Times

Heynckes' superstar ensemble have played with a lot more determination and hunger than usual, even to the point of adding selfless pressing high up the pitch, Dortmund-style, to the mix.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selfless determination", ensure the context clearly demonstrates that the determination is directed towards goals that benefit others or a cause greater than oneself. This reinforces the selfless aspect of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "selfless determination" too frequently in your writing. While the phrase is valid, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Use alternatives like "altruistic resolve" or "unselfish perseverance" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfless determination" functions as a descriptive compound noun, where 'selfless' modifies 'determination'. It describes a particular kind of determination, one that is not motivated by personal gain but by altruism. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selfless determination" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong, unwavering commitment driven by altruism rather than personal gain. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, including news and academic settings. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides helpful examples of its use. Consider using alternatives like "altruistic resolve" or "unselfish perseverance" to enhance variety and impact in your writing. When employing the phrase "selfless determination", ensure the context clearly illustrates that the commitment serves others or a greater cause to maintain its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Altruistic resolve

Replaces "selfless" with "altruistic" emphasizing the charitable nature, and "determination" with "resolve", focusing on firmness of purpose.

Unselfish perseverance

Substitutes "selfless" with "unselfish" maintaining the core meaning, and "determination" with "perseverance", highlighting continued effort despite difficulties.

Self-sacrificing drive

Replaces "determination" with "drive", focusing on motivation, and uses "self-sacrificing" instead of "selfless", stressing the personal cost.

Unwavering altruism

Describes altruism as constant with "unwavering" and replaces "determination" with the concept of "altruism" that is the lack of self-interest.

Disinterested dedication

"Disinterested" implies impartiality and lack of personal gain, replacing "selfless", while "dedication" replaces "determination", focusing on commitment.

Compassionate steadfastness

Uses "compassionate" instead of "selfless", highlighting empathy, and "steadfastness" instead of "determination", emphasizing unwavering loyalty.

Philanthropic commitment

Emphasizes the charitable aspect with "philanthropic", instead of "selfless", and focuses on the promise aspect with "commitment" instead of "determination".

Self-forgetful persistence

Emphasizes forgetting oneself with "self-forgetful" instead of "selfless", and uses "persistence" instead of "determination", highlighting continuous effort.

Benevolent tenacity

Highlights kindness with "benevolent" instead of "selfless", and stubbornness with "tenacity" instead of "determination".

Humanitarian zeal

Focuses on humanitarian aspects with "humanitarian" instead of "selfless", and replaces "determination" with "zeal", emphasizing enthusiasm and passion.

FAQs

How can I use "selfless determination" in a sentence?

Use "selfless determination" to describe someone's strong and unwavering commitment to a cause or goal without regard for personal gain. For example: "Her selfless determination to help the homeless inspired many volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "selfless determination"?

You can use alternatives like "altruistic resolve", "unselfish perseverance", or "disinterested dedication" depending on the context.

What distinguishes "selfless determination" from simple determination?

"Selfless determination" specifically highlights that the determination is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to benefit others or a cause. Simple determination lacks this element of self-sacrifice.

Is "selfless determination" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "selfless determination" is not as common as other similar phrases. Consider the context and audience to ensure it is appropriate. Ludwig identifies it as a valid but not frequently used expression.