thirsty for power

USAGE SUMMARY

"thirsty for power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it is typically used as an idiom to describe someone who has an insatiable desire for more power.
Example sentence: Despite achieving a significant amount of success, he was still thirsty for power and refused to give up control over the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some historians remember him as a man thirsty for power, who never hesitated to take it by force.

The Economist

"Don't let yourself be manipulated by people who are thirsty for power," President Aristide told the gathering.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't like to appear in my own eyes as a man that became evil, became thirsty for power," he says.

Independent

The new group is unlikely to build more plants in the UK, as it instead targets fast growing economies thirsty for power.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

More and more, the show has neglected concerns over controversy and has stood strong by its intention to depict the depravity man is capable of when thirsty for glory and power.

Huffington Post

But the pivot also evidently positioned it to align with the hiring needs of gig economy platforms like Uber thirsty for enough staff to power their own growth.

TechCrunch

Driven by ratings, agendas, and often by ignobly self-serving interpretations of noble ideals like freedom, media have time and again gone along with forces chomping at the heels of sanity and restraint; forces thirsty for blood, money, and power.

Huffington Post

"You, like your foolish allies in the Satanic coalition, have yet to understand that we, by Allah's grace, are an Islamic caliphate with authority and power, an entire army thirsty for your blood," the militant says.

Huffington Post

Mains power is only for power-thirsty microwaves, kettles and the like.Current affairsThat could presage a much bigger shift, reviving the cause of direct current (DC) as the preferred way to power the growing number of low-voltage devices in homes and offices.

The Economist

I am so thirsty for the marvelous that only the marvelous has power over me.

Huffington Post

With his mix of quickness and power, the 29-year-old Mosley is thirsty for a bigger spotlight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thirsty for power" to vividly describe an individual or entity with an insatiable and often ruthless ambition for control and authority. The phrase is more impactful than simply stating someone wants power.

Common error

Avoid using "thirsty for power" in contexts where a mild or moderate desire for influence is present. The phrase implies a strong, almost obsessive craving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirsty for power" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun (usually a person or entity) and indicating their intense craving for authority. It provides a vivid characterization, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thirsty for power" is a valid and evocative phrase that describes a strong and often negative craving for control. As Ludwig's AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and functions as an adjectival modifier. While not extremely common, it is frequently used in news and media to criticize ambitious individuals. Consider alternatives like ""eager for power"" or ""hungry for power"" depending on the desired nuance. Use it carefully to convey the intended intensity of the desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thirst for power

Noun form of the original phrase, focusing on the abstract desire itself.

hungry for power

Suggests a strong, almost insatiable need for power.

hunger for power

Synonymous with "hungry for power", indicating a strong desire.

appetite for power

Similar to "hungry for power", but with a slightly more refined connotation.

eager for power

Implies enthusiasm and anticipation in acquiring power.

desire for power

A more general term indicating a wish for power.

yearning for power

Conveys a deep longing and emotional desire for power.

pursuit of power

Focuses on the active effort to gain power.

quest for power

Suggests a long and challenging journey to obtain power.

greed for power

Emphasizes the selfish and materialistic aspect of desiring power.

FAQs

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

You can use "thirsty for power" to describe someone with a strong desire for control. For example: "The dictator was "hungry for power" and would stop at nothing to maintain his position."

What's a less intense way to say "thirsty for power"?

If you want to convey a milder desire for influence, consider alternatives such as "eager for power" or "interested in power".

Which is more formal, "thirsty for power" or "desire for power"?

"Desire for power" is generally more formal and neutral. "Thirsty for power" carries a connotation of intense craving and is often used in more descriptive or critical contexts.

What is the difference between "thirsty for power" and ""hungry for power""?

Both phrases are very similar, but "thirsty for power" emphasizes a craving or longing, while ""hungry for power"" suggests a more aggressive and potentially destructive need.