sheer hunger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer hunger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense or overwhelming feeling of hunger. Example: "After skipping breakfast and lunch, I was hit by sheer hunger as soon as I walked into the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"About three weeks ago this was my favorite," he said, digging in resignedly out of sheer hunger.

The New York Times

On a Sunday night in December, takeout orders came fast and furious, which seemed to test the tiny kitchen; our food arrived in spurts, and out of sheer hunger, we found ourselves eating off one another's plates.

The New York Times

Maybe that was the edge that finally won the prize for Saracens – the sheer hunger to feel the high we have all watched the Tigers revel in so many times over the years.

The Guardian - Sport

The question will be whether Mobil's sheer hunger for Kazakhstan's oil allows prosecutors to paint a different, and more damaging, picture of those transactions.

Forbes

Sunderland may have felt a little bloated and comfortable after recent wins against Newcastle United and Everton but Lambert's Villa were driven towards Premier League safety by sheer hunger.

BBC

It is that spirit of creativity, community and resilience, intertwined with a sheer hunger for wisdom and prosperity that still underlines the beauty of blackness today.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In her songs and videos the repertory is much wider: rage and hunger; sheer athletic joy; easygoing, self-confident lust; physical insecurity (one of her English lyrics memorably makes use of the phrase "lose those pounds," and elsewhere she sings of her "humble breasts"); and an acute sense of the physical and mental pain of attraction.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was so badly sick with my first pregnancy that I passed out on the floor from hunger and sheer exhaustion from vomiting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then there are the crocodiles: dainty, snout-nosed freshwater ones and the implacable, huge saltwater breed, whose yellow eyes express something more chilling than wickedness or hunger – the sheer indifference of prehistoric creatures that can live a century or more, and are far more likely to find things to eat than things that will eat them.

Independent

There is less hunger now, less sheer animal drudgery, people have time to straighten their backs.

Independent

"Samir is a mild-mannered soul who was driven to hunger strike by sheer desperation, and he was gratified to know that his suffering forced the world to remember the immorality of Guantanamo," said Cori Crider, a lawyer for the men and strategic director at the international legal firm Reprieve.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer hunger" to vividly depict a situation where hunger is the primary and overwhelming motivator for an action or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer hunger" when the context implies a normal or mild level of hunger. "Sheer" emphasizes an overwhelming and almost desperate level of need. Instead use words like "simple hunger" or "slight hunger" if the context implies it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer hunger" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sheer" intensifies the noun "hunger". It describes a state of intense and compelling hunger, often suggesting that this feeling is the primary motivator behind someone's actions. Ludwig confirms that this is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sheer hunger" is a phrase used to describe an overwhelming and intense feeling of hunger, often serving as the primary motivator for action. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily appears in News & Media contexts. It’s a relatively rare expression, but its impact lies in emphasizing the intensity of the need. When using "sheer hunger", writers should ensure the context warrants this strong emphasis, distinguishing it from a more moderate or typical hunger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense hunger

Replaces "sheer" with "intense", emphasizing the strength of the feeling.

overwhelming hunger

Substitutes "sheer" with "overwhelming", highlighting the all-encompassing nature of the hunger.

extreme hunger

Uses "extreme" in place of "sheer", focusing on the severity of the hunger.

powerful hunger

Replaces "sheer" with "powerful", underscoring the dominating influence of hunger.

desperate hunger

Highlights the urgency and desperation caused by the hunger.

uncontrollable hunger

Emphasizes the lack of ability to control the feeling of hunger.

ravenous appetite

Changes the focus to appetite, implying a great hunger, using the adjective "ravenous".

acute hunger

Focuses on the sharpness and intensity of the hunger.

insatiable appetite

Like "ravenous appetite", this focuses on the appetite but emphasizes the inability to satisfy it.

voracious appetite

Another way to describe a great hunger through the lens of appetite using "voracious".

FAQs

What does "sheer" mean in the context of "sheer hunger"?

In the phrase "sheer hunger", "sheer" emphasizes that the hunger is the primary and overwhelming motivation or cause. It signifies that the hunger is intense and leaves little room for other considerations.

When is it appropriate to use "sheer hunger" in writing?

Use "sheer hunger" when you want to convey that someone is driven by an extreme and compelling feeling of hunger, often leading them to act in ways they might not otherwise. It suggests a powerful, almost desperate need for food.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "sheer hunger"?

You can use alternatives like "intense hunger", "overwhelming hunger", or "ravenous appetite" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer hunger" a formal or informal expression?

"Sheer hunger" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It is not overly colloquial but maintains a level of intensity that can be effective in various types of prose.