unchecked desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unchecked desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a longing or craving that is not restrained or controlled, often implying a sense of recklessness or lack of moderation. Example: "His unchecked desire for power led him to make unethical decisions that ultimately harmed his reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a cautionary tale, a warning against unchecked desire and joie de vivre, and its moral repeats in unexpected ways.

The New York Times - Books

"Today debt and corruption are joined like body and soul, two parts of one whole problem, and, as Plato taught us so long ago, we shall suffer without end if we cannot patch the leaky vessel of unchecked desire".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the interviews Pasolini talks about his hatred for power and its chaos and unchecked desires, as well as his distaste for the commodification of bodies in the sexual revolution of the 60s (he had a strange reading of such sexual politics).

Vice

In the interviews Pasolini talks about his hate for power and its chaos and unchecked desires, as well as his distaste for the commodification of bodies in the sexual revolution of the 60s (he had a strange reading of such sexual politics).

Vice

Z. was at the other, I saw with relief, I wasn't too late, and I stepped up beside him, breaking that distributive propriety of men's bathrooms, a guard against unchecked glances, against desire.

The New Yorker

Left unchecked and unexamined, our desire to believe in these infallible father figures yields Ronald Reagan, George Wallace and Joe McCarthy.

The New York Times - Books

That wolfish desperation for growth, the unchecked market maker's desire for expansion, is happening before your eyes.

The Guardian - Arts

On Saturday morning, Trump echoed Sanders, tweeting "Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration.

The New Yorker

Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that Democrats were to blame for the shutdown of the federal government, claiming the party was "holding our military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration". .

Huffington Post

But there is an ugly side to intercollegiate athletic enterprise, one driven by unchecked ambition, ego, greed and an insatiable desire to win.

The New York Times - Sports

If it fails to do so the limitless desire for wealth will be left unchecked.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unchecked desire", consider the consequences implied. This phrase often suggests a negative outcome due to the lack of control. Use it to add depth and a cautionary tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unchecked desire" in situations where a simpler term like "strong desire" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unchecked desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unchecked" modifies the noun "desire". It describes a state or condition of wanting something without restraint. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unchecked desire" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it serves as a cautionary descriptor, pointing to the potential negative consequences stemming from cravings or wants that are not properly managed. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for analytical and descriptive writing. When using "unchecked desire", consider the implications of a lack of control and the potential for negative outcomes. Alternatives such as "unrestrained longing" or "unbridled craving" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unchecked ambition

Very similar; replaces desire with a specific type of desire: ambition.

unrestrained longing

Focuses on the lack of restraint in the feeling of wanting something.

unbridled craving

Emphasizes the intensity and freedom from control of the craving.

untamed craving

Implies a wild, unmanaged, and primal quality to the craving.

unfettered appetite

Highlights the absence of limitations on one's hunger or yearning.

rampant ambition

Suggests a widespread and unrestrained drive for achievement.

insatiable yearning

Conveys a sense of being impossible to satisfy in one's longing.

limitless craving

Indicates that the craving has no boundaries or end.

uncontrolled impulse

Focuses on the lack of management over one's sudden urge.

boundless passion

Emphasizes the immeasurable and limitless nature of the feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "unchecked desire" in a sentence?

You can use "unchecked desire" to describe a strong want or craving that is not controlled, often leading to negative consequences. For example, "His "unchecked desire" for wealth drove him to make unethical decisions."

What are some alternatives to "unchecked desire"?

Alternatives include "unrestrained longing", "unbridled craving", or "unfettered appetite", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unchecked desire" the same as "strong desire"?

While both phrases describe a powerful want, "unchecked desire" implies a lack of control and potential negative outcomes, whereas "strong desire" simply denotes intensity.

In what contexts is "unchecked desire" most appropriate?

"Unchecked desire" is best used in contexts where the lack of control over a want leads to problematic or destructive behavior. It fits well in cautionary tales or analyses of character flaws.