thirst for progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or eagerness to achieve advancement or improvement in a particular area. Example: "The team's thirst for progress drove them to innovate and push the boundaries of technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our thirst for progress as humans is reflected by our continuous research activities in different areas leading to many useful emerging applications and technologies.

Procedia Computer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What their models show is that from the moment our relentless thirst for technological progress was sparked, greenhouse gas emissions have been gradually warming up the planet.

Vice

Carolyn Brown Millbrook, N.Y., Feb. 1, 2008 • To the Editor: Re "The McCain Transition" (column, Feb. 1): David Brooks suggests that John McCain needs to "reconnect with the spirit of this moment," referring to the country's thirst for transcending partisanship and progressing toward solving domestic challenges.

The New York Times

Some blame the country's cultural and religious traditions, contending that a national thirst for economic equality may have stunted progress.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin said that "the thirst for change is a natural, driving force of progress" but dangerous when it threatened civil peace.

The New York Times

Instinctively, Klores knew he could toy with the twin nerve endings of the mass media: its desire to earnestly chart the progress of humanity and its thirst for almost any sort of quackery.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have always had a thirst for learning, and I know that as an actor I have progress to make.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was one of the most professional people I played with in terms of how he applied himself to his job and it was great to see him progressing through the coaching pathway with that thirst for learning.

BBC

Another problem slowing technological progress, he said, is needless competition among tech companies and the media's thirst for reporting on it.

The New York Times

Unending thirst for knowledge.

Columbia University

We thirst for exactitudes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thirst for progress" to convey a strong and inherent desire for advancement, particularly in contexts where innovation and continuous improvement are valued. It's more impactful than simply stating a desire for progress.

Common error

Don't use "thirst for progress" when a simpler term like "desire for improvement" is sufficient. Overusing metaphorical language can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for progress" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates the phrase is usable and grammatically sound, expressing a strong desire for advancement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thirst for progress" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong and inherent desire for advancement. Ludwig's analysis, along with the provided examples, confirms that this phrase is most commonly found in news and science contexts. When using "thirst for progress", aim to convey a sense of urgency and deep-seated motivation. While effective, remember to use it judiciously, as simpler alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "desire for advancement" or "hunger for improvement" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for advancement

Focuses on the wish for forward movement, removing the "thirst" metaphor.

yearning for development

Replaces "thirst" with a stronger emotional longing and "progress" with "development".

hunger for improvement

Substitutes "thirst" with "hunger", emphasizing a strong need for positive change.

ambition for growth

Highlights the aspiration to expand and mature, rather than just advance.

zeal for innovation

Emphasizes the enthusiasm for creating new and better things.

passion for evolution

Conveys an intense drive for gradual, transformative change.

drive for betterment

Focuses on the internal force pushing towards a superior state.

quest for advancement

Positions progress as a journey or pursuit, implying a more active role.

impulse for forward movement

Highlights the instinctive urge to move ahead, avoiding value judgements.

longing for positive change

Expresses a deep-seated wish for improvements, but is less dynamic.

FAQs

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

You can use "thirst for progress" to describe a strong desire for advancement or improvement. For example, "The company's "thirst for progress" led them to invest heavily in research and development".

What's the difference between "thirst for progress" and "desire for progress"?

"Thirst for progress" implies a more intense and inherent need for advancement than a simple "desire for progress". It suggests a fundamental driving force.

Is "thirst for progress" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "thirst for progress" is not as common as other similar phrases like "desire for advancement" or "hunger for improvement".

What can I say instead of "thirst for progress"?

You can use alternatives like "desire for advancement", "hunger for improvement", or "yearning for development", depending on the context.