superpower

USAGE SUMMARY

'superpower' is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
You can use 'superpower' to refer to a country or nation that has a great amount of economic, political, and military influence in the world. For example, "The U.S. is widely considered to be a superpower, due to its military and political influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the second year in a row, a young American whistleblower alarmed at the unfettered and at times cynical deployment of power by the world's foremost superpower has been voted the Guardian's person of the year.

The Guardian

There was an impulse towards supra-nationalism in the shape of membership in the European Union, where countries that had fought each other for centuries – notably France and Germany – agreed to cooperate in the new world of superpower blocs.

The Guardian

With solar photovoltaic energy faring nearly as cheap as coal in the latest bids, and wind energy much cheaper than any fossil fuel, there is no reason for Brazil not to become again a renewables superpower.

The Guardian

Of course, when empires fall, they do so with surprising speed – and there will be those who judge that this petition attracting more than 190,000 signatures constituted America's formal resignation as the world's foremost superpower.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ability to defer gratification is as close as you might get to a superpower.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So it was no surprise when an official of the Armenian education ministry told the Associated Foreign Press that teaching chess in schools would "create a solid basis for the country to become a chess superpower".

The Guardian - Opinion

That result did not exactly herald the birth of a new footballing superpower.

The Guardian - Sport

He is now relying in part on his superpower status to combat the accusations that he aided the Brotherhood, which has been banned and branded a terrorist organisation.

The Guardian

What would your superpower be?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would not take much to throw such an elaborate organism into chaos.The forces arrayed against North Korea are even more formidable: 639,000 South Korean troops, 5,300 artillery pieces and 460 combat aircraft, buttressed by over 28,000 American troops and a nuclear guarantee from the world's only superpower.

The Economist

It is 20 years since India had a balance-of-payments crisis and for a long time the talk has been about it becoming an economic superpower.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "superpower" when you want to emphasize the unique and dominant position of a nation in global affairs.

Common error

Avoid using "superpower" hyperbolically to describe minor advantages or abilities in everyday situations. It is best reserved for describing nations with significant global influence.

Linguistic Context

Superpower functions as a noun, referring to a country with dominant status on the globe and advanced military capabilities. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing nations like the United States and assessing potential future superpowers like Brazil or China. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "superpower" is a frequently used noun to describe a nation with significant global influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. The primary contexts include News & Media and Formal & Business writing. When considering alternative expressions, "major power", "great power", and "world power" serve as close synonyms. It's important to reserve its use for nations with globally recognized dominance to avoid diluting its impact. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide a clear understanding of how to use "superpower" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Major power

Focuses on the significant influence a nation wields.

Great power

Emphasizes the extensive capabilities of a country.

World power

Highlights global dominance and reach.

Global leader

Implies leadership and influence on a worldwide scale.

Dominant nation

Stresses the supreme position and control exerted by a country.

Leading force

Suggests active influence and direction in international affairs.

Hegemonic power

Indicates a nation that exercises hegemony or dominance.

Powerhouse

Implies great strength and influence, often economic or industrial.

Imperial power

References historical or current imperial influence and control.

Preeminent nation

Emphasizes the superior status and importance of a country.

FAQs

How can I use "superpower" in a sentence?

You can use "superpower" to describe a nation with significant global influence, like in the sentence: "The U.S. is often considered a superpower due to its economic and military strength."

What are some alternatives to the word "superpower"?

Alternatives to "superpower" include "major power", "great power", or "world power", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "superpower" to describe an individual's ability?

While "superpower" is primarily used to describe a nation's influence, it can be used informally to describe an extraordinary personal ability. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the usage is clear.

What distinguishes a "superpower" from a "great power"?

A "superpower" typically possesses greater economic, military, and cultural influence than a "great power", allowing it to project its power and influence on a global scale.