sought-after

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sought-after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective and is typically used to describe something that is in high demand or popular. For example, "This sought-after designer handbag is only available at select stores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And the least sought-after?

The Economist

It's positively sought-after".

The Guardian - Business

It's sought-after work.

The New Yorker

"It's a sought-after job".

The New York Times

Indeed, privacy is the sought-after amenity.

The New York Times

These canvases today are sought-after prizes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In Pictures: 10 Most-Sought-After Gifts.

Forbes

She was very sought after.

The New Yorker

They're fiercely sought after by collectors.

Independent

Other UK professionals are similarly sought after.

Independent

Cubism is sought after these days.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sought-after" to describe items, skills, or positions that are not just desired, but also difficult to obtain, highlighting their exclusivity or high value.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "sought-after" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "popular" or "in demand" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sought-after" is as a pre-modifying adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that they are highly desired or in demand. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase adheres to standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sought-after" is a versatile adjective used to describe something highly desired or in demand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also sees use in formal business and scientific contexts. While it can add a touch of formality, remember to consider your audience and opt for simpler terms like "popular" or "in demand" in more casual settings. Use "sought-after" when you want to emphasize the exclusivity or high value of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in demand

Uses a simpler and more direct expression to convey popularity.

in high demand

Similar to "in demand" but more emphatic.

highly desired

Emphasizes the strong wish or need for something.

popular

Indicates widespread liking or acceptance.

coveted

Implies a strong desire to possess something, often something rare or valuable.

desirable

Focuses on the attractive or appealing qualities of something.

prized

Suggests that something is highly valued and cherished.

much requested

Highlights the frequency with which something is asked for.

wanted

A basic term indicating that something is wished for.

sought

A shorter, less common form of "sought-after".

FAQs

How can I use "sought-after" in a sentence?

You can use "sought-after" to describe something that is highly desired or in demand, such as "This is a "sought-after" position in the company" or "These limited-edition prints are "sought-after" by collectors".

What are some synonyms for "sought-after"?

Some synonyms for "sought-after" include "in demand", "highly desired", "popular", and "coveted". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "much sought after"?

Yes, "much sought after" is a correct and acceptable variation of "sought-after". It simply adds emphasis to the degree of desirability.

What's the difference between "sought-after" and "desired"?

"Desired" simply means wanted or wished for. "Sought-after" implies a higher degree of desirability and often suggests that something is difficult to obtain or highly valued. Something that is "sought-after" is not just wanted, but actively pursued by many.