uncontrollable craving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncontrollable craving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or urge that one cannot manage or control, often in the context of food, substances, or behaviors. Example: "After weeks of dieting, she found herself battling an uncontrollable craving for chocolate cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The drug abuse institute says marijuana causes compulsive and often uncontrollable craving and use, despite health and social consequences, and as a result is addictive.

The New York Times

"My patient is victim to a rare eating disorder which gives her an uncontrollable craving for male semen," was one of the bizarre quotes in the article, which detailed how the 67-year-old had escaped a jail sentence.

The Guardian

It was an uncontrollable craving that was not really healthy at all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, Mr. Carrick said, the professionals who run campaigns crave control, and this situation is "uncontrollable and outside their ability to influence, which will drive them crazy".

The New York Times

Some described their eating during their pregnancies as uncontrollable and excessive, as they ate everything they wanted, or craved: I didn't particularly watch what I ate during my [second] pregnancy, I kind of just ate what I wanted, when I wanted, you know, and I suppose naively you feel it's a chance to or a time to indulge yourself, rightly or wrongly.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Bodyweight management of children with PWS has proven to be extraordinarily difficult as they have a low muscle tone that tends to result in less physical activity than normal, a chronic and uncontrollable feeling of hunger, and a deficit of satiety that drives their constant food-craving behavior.

EBioMedicine

Uncontrollable laughter.

The Guardian - Books

It's uncontrollable".

The New Yorker

"The desert is uncontrollable.

The New York Times

Craving zaatar?

The New York Times

"The Internet is uncontrollable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing addictions or strong desires, use "uncontrollable craving" to convey a lack of control and intensity. Be specific about the object of the craving for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "uncontrollable craving" to describe mild preferences or casual desires. This phrase signifies a significant lack of self-regulation and should be reserved for appropriately intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncontrollable craving" functions as a noun phrase, where "uncontrollable" is an adjective modifying the noun "craving". Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing strong, often problematic desires.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncontrollable craving" describes a powerful, irresistible desire, often associated with addictions or intense longings. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. Examples show the expression appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the phrase is considered relatively rare, it effectively conveys a strong sense of loss of control. Alternatives like "irresistible urge" or "overwhelming desire" can be used to express similar meanings. Be mindful of using the phrase appropriately, reserving it for situations where the intensity of the desire warrants such strong language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irresistible urge

Focuses on the inability to resist the desire.

overwhelming desire

Highlights the intensity and power of the craving.

compulsive need

Emphasizes the repetitive and driven nature of the desire.

uncontrollable urge

Replaces 'craving' with 'urge', maintaining the 'uncontrollable' aspect.

consuming desire

Implies that the desire takes over one's thoughts and actions.

unquenchable thirst

Uses a metaphor to describe an insatiable desire.

insatiable hunger

Similar to thirst, implies an unending need.

unyielding longing

Highlights the persistent and inflexible nature of the desire.

powerful addiction

Connects the craving to addictive behaviors.

obsessive impulse

Emphasizes the intrusive and recurring nature of the desire.

FAQs

What does "uncontrollable craving" mean?

It refers to a strong desire or urge that is difficult or impossible to resist, often associated with addictions, hunger, or intense longings.

How to use "uncontrollable craving" in a sentence?

Example: "After weeks of deprivation, he felt an "uncontrollable craving" for sweets."

What can I say instead of "uncontrollable craving"?

You can use alternatives like "irresistible urge", "overwhelming desire", or "compulsive need".

Is "uncontrollable craving" only used for food?

No, while often associated with food, "uncontrollable craving" can describe any strong, irresistible desire, including cravings for substances or activities.