thirst for glory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for glory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or ambition to achieve fame, recognition, or success. Example: "His thirst for glory drove him to train harder than anyone else on the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Unlike Christianity, which makes people humble and otherworldly, Rome's religion instilled a thirst for glory and freedom in this world.

The New York Times - Books

Hannah Miley had to settle for silver as Adam Peaty once again demonstrated his thirst for glory on the opening night of the European Championships in London.

The Guardian - Sport

But seriously, there was a time when states needed huge armies because they were interested in conquering each other to get bigger, suck in more tax revenue, and justify their rulers' thirst for glory.

The Economist

The only quality the Mississippian had in abundance was an unquenchable thirst for glory — he had no patience with reconnaissance, staff work, logistics or anything else that might keep him from closing quickly with the enemy.

The New York Times

"Their thirst for glory at all costs has severely damaged the integrity and image of all sports and has certainly resulted in a devastating outcome for the Russian Paralympic Committee and Para-athletes".

The Guardian - Sport

When the International Paralympic Committee ban was announced on Aug. 7, Philip Craven, the committee's president, denounced Russia's "thirst for glory" and what he called its "medals over morals" mentality, adding that Russia's antidoping system was "broken, corrupted and entirely compromised".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But these names, along with those of Vito Antuofermo, William Caveman Lee, Wilford Scypion and Juan Roldánán, could never hope to sate Hagler's thirst for everlasting glory.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Bones's tough, shrewd Banquo, for example, clearly has his own mighty thirst for regal glory, a trait made to figure ominously in the evening's final tableau.

The New York Times

Still, CVFH's thirst for postseason glory has yet to be quenched, as it won't be content to simply compete in the double-elimination Western Regional Tournament.

Los Angeles Times

"a thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts; ambition or private compacts to aggrandize or support their particular families, or partisans.

Huffington Post

Instead, he argues that "prophetic faiths should be a way of life, not just a 'religious' resource for a way of life whose content is shaped by factors outside of that faith itself (such as national security, economic prosperity, or our thirst for pleasure, power and glory)" (29).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thirst for glory" when you want to emphasize a powerful, almost insatiable desire for recognition and achievement, often in a competitive context.

Common error

While effective, "thirst for glory" can become cliché if overused. Vary your language with synonyms like "desire for recognition" or "ambition for greatness" to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for glory" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong desire or ambition. It is used to express an intense craving for recognition, fame, or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thirst for glory" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a strong desire for fame, recognition, or success. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Sport contexts. While "thirst for glory" is acceptable, it's important to vary your language with synonyms such as "desire for recognition" or "ambition for greatness" to avoid overuse. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a range of writing styles, although always consider your specific audience when deciding on the most suitable word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for recognition

Focuses specifically on the craving for acknowledgment and validation.

yearning for fame

Highlights the longing for widespread public recognition.

ambition for greatness

Emphasizes the aspiration to achieve a superior or remarkable status.

hunger for success

Stresses a strong need to achieve favorable outcomes and prosperity.

craving for victory

Focuses on the intense desire to win or triumph in a competition or conflict.

passion for achievement

Highlights the fervent drive to accomplish goals and attain success.

longing for acclaim

Emphasizes the yearning to receive praise and approval from others.

zeal for triumph

Highlights an enthusiastic and fervent pursuit of victory.

drive for distinction

Focuses on the strong motivation to stand out and be recognized as exceptional.

pursuit of renown

Emphasizes the active seeking of widespread fame and public recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "thirst for glory" in a sentence?

You can use "thirst for glory" to describe someone's intense desire for fame or achievement. For example, "The athlete's thirst for glory drove him to train relentlessly."

What are some alternatives to "thirst for glory"?

You can use alternatives like "desire for fame", "hunger for recognition", or "ambition for greatness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thirst for glory" in formal writing?

Yes, "thirst for glory" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing historical figures, sports, or competitive scenarios. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "thirst for glory" and "thirst for success"?

"Thirst for glory" implies a desire for public recognition and fame, whereas "thirst for success" focuses more broadly on achieving desired outcomes and prosperity, not necessarily involving public acclaim.