thirst for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or ambition to achieve success in various contexts, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or academic achievements. Example: "Her thirst for success drove her to work late into the night, determined to finish her project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Such talk expresses enthusiasm, dedication, and often a thirst for success.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Williams has been cut down by serious illness in the past, her thirst for success is still strong, enough to drive her on when, as she admits, she does not need any more titles.

The Guardian - Sport

An editorial in the left-leaning newspaper, Libération, noted this week that the immigrant population, with its "economic dynamism, cult of knowledge and thirst for success" makes them a valuable bridge between France and China, "with which France nurtures hopes, too often disappointed, of strategic dialogue and big contracts".

The New York Times

Unlike in cricket, the captain's influence in tactics and selection is minimal and there is an argument that captains are up built up to unrealistic heights, immortal figures who can do no wrong, revelling in Terry Butcher's bloodied, bandaged head in Stockholm in 1989, Gerrard's staggering thirst for success in Istanbul in 2005 and Cardiff in 2006, Roy Keane's night of sacrifice in Turin in 1999.

The Guardian - Sport

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel says his thirst for success has not been quenched by winning his fourth title.

BBC

We're looking to 2014 with a real thirst for success, desperate to take on the world and almost come back with a bang.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The stroke's popularity has also reflected the thirst for junior success.

The New York Times - Sports

In the English philosopher A. J. Ayer, a prodigious intellect was matched by a thirst for worldly success.

The New York Times - Books

"Some of the sequences are particularly fine, crisp and contained and, given his thirst for commercial success, bewitchingly spare" (Elvis Mitchell).

The New York Times

Some of the sequences are particularly fine, crisp and contained, and given his thirst for commercial success, bewitchingly spare with long, fluid takes.

The New York Times

Either you spend the rest of your life succumbing to a 9 to 5 lifestyle working for someone else, or you could be a revolutionary; an empowered professional with an unflinching creative foresight and an insatiable thirst for resilient success as a driven entrepreneur.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ambition, consider using "thirst for success" to add a touch of intensity and passion to your description.

Common error

While "thirst for success" is acceptable, be mindful of overuse, especially in formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "desire for achievement" or "drive to excel" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for success" functions as a noun phrase, where "thirst" acts as a metaphor for a strong desire or ambition. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, describing someone's intense yearning for achievement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase effectively conveys enthusiasm and dedication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thirst for success" is a valid and expressive way to describe a strong ambition or desire to achieve goals. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its ability to convey enthusiasm and dedication. While acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives like "desire for achievement" in highly formal settings for a more nuanced tone. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, underscoring its accessibility and broad appeal. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance your writing and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunger for success

Emphasizes the intensity and insatiable nature of the desire.

desire for achievement

Focuses on the longing to achieve something significant.

drive to achieve

Focuses on the internal motivation and impetus to accomplish goals.

ambition to succeed

Highlights ambition as the driving force behind the pursuit of success.

passion for accomplishment

Highlights the emotional investment in achieving goals.

zeal for triumph

Emphasizes enthusiasm and fervor in the pursuit of victory.

yearning for victory

Focuses on a deep longing for triumph and overcoming challenges.

pursuit of excellence

Emphasizes the dedication to achieving the highest standards.

determination to prosper

Focuses on the resolve to achieve financial or overall well-being.

eagerness to excel

Highlights the enthusiasm and keenness to perform exceptionally well.

FAQs

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

You can use "thirst for success" to describe someone's strong ambition. For example, "Her "thirst for success" motivated her to work tirelessly".

What is a similar phrase to "thirst for success"?

Similar phrases include "desire for achievement", "hunger for success", or "ambition to succeed", each conveying a strong drive to achieve goals.

Is "thirst for success" a formal or informal expression?

"Thirst for success" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "desire for achievement" for a more professional tone.

What distinguishes "thirst for success" from "desire for success"?

"Thirst for success" implies a more intense and almost insatiable drive compared to the more general "desire for success". "Thirst" suggests a deeper, more compelling need.