thirst for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or craving for authority, control, or influence, often in a political or social context. Example: "His thirst for power led him to make questionable decisions that ultimately harmed his reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That thirst for power, at any price.

The Guardian

Mr. Maliki's thirst for power doesn't end there.

The New York Times

The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits.

The New Yorker

But plasmas have lately fallen out of favour because of their bulk and thirst for power.

The Economist

Their thirst for power has led them to sell-out their own supporters.

The Guardian

But in their thirst for power, they have never apologised," she said.

The Guardian

Professor Blanchflower claimed yesterday that Mr King's "thirst for power and influence" had "clouded his judgment one too many times".

Independent

A Build-a-Bear party with six of her friends will not slake her inevitable thirst for power now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But power – or, more accurately, the thirst for power – is all-consuming and respects no borders or boundaries.

The Guardian - Music

More interesting is how Walpole's thirst for power and his parliamentary machine might shed light on post-Blair political struggles.

The Guardian - Books

Donald Sutherland plays the speaker of the House, who doesn't think she has the appropriate thirst for power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thirst for power" to describe a character's motivation in fiction or a politician's actions in news reporting, but be mindful of potential overtones of negativity or ruthlessness. Consider the specific context to determine if a more neutral term like "desire for influence" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "thirst for power" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "ambition", "drive", or "quest for influence" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for power" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a strong desire or craving for control, authority, or influence. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thirst for power" is a widely used phrase that describes a strong desire for control and influence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also in encyclopedias and wikis. While often implying a critical perspective, the phrase's connotation can vary depending on the context. For less dramatic alternatives, consider phrases like "desire for influence" or "ambition for leadership".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craving for authority

Emphasizes the desire for formal control and influence.

yearning for control

Highlights an emotional longing to be in command.

hunger for dominance

Stresses the competitive aspect of wanting to be superior.

ambition for influence

Focuses on the aspiration to affect outcomes and decisions.

desire for supremacy

Underscores the wish to be the highest in rank or authority.

drive for command

Implies a proactive energy pushing towards leadership.

quest for control

Suggests a determined pursuit of power as a goal.

appetite for authority

Compares the desire for power to a basic, instinctive need.

inclination for dominance

Highlights a natural tendency to seek control.

zeal for influence

Emphasizes enthusiastic and passionate pursuit of impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "thirst for power" to describe someone who has a strong desire for control and influence, for example: "His "thirst for power" led him to betray his allies."

What's a less dramatic way to say "thirst for power"?

Consider alternatives like "desire for influence" or "ambition for leadership" if you want to express a similar idea with less intensity.

Is it always negative to have a "thirst for power"?

Not necessarily. While "thirst for power" can imply ruthlessness, it can also describe a strong drive to make a difference or achieve significant goals. The connotation depends on the context and the actions taken as a result of that desire.

What is the difference between "thirst for power" and "hunger for power"?

"Thirst for power" and "hunger for power" are very similar, both suggesting a strong craving for control. "Hunger" often emphasizes a more primal or insatiable desire, while "thirst" can suggest a more specific need or goal.