waning desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waning desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a diminishing or decreasing interest or longing for something over time. Example: "As the months passed, her waning desire for the project became evident, leading her to reconsider her commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Could his hesitancy, as some suspect, have been caused by a waning desire to cling to office?

The Economist

Menopause may not, of course, be the only or main cause of waning desire, even when it takes the blame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bergner interviewed a number of women in long-term relationships, many of whom elaborated on this waning desire.

The Guardian - Books

Max, who is David's best friend, obsessively videotapes Mina (these sections are cleverly delivered in screenplay form), "documenting their waning desire," and Scott is a boyish investment banker from Georgia Mina met in a bar where she stopped for a drink midstroll.

The New York Times - Books

We have a hundred reasons to say no, and a hundred more for waning desire.

Huffington Post

Upon returning to Australia, he was greeted as a hero, but he considered retiring due to waning desire for success after his triumph in Moscow.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But if you are over 50, you may well be familiar with the concept, because it means "waning sexual desire resulting from age".

The New York Times - Health

Weighing Help vs. Harm The most common reason men seek testosterone therapy is waning sexual desire or performance, although the ability of the hormone to relieve sexual symptoms is unpredictable.

The New York Times - Health

After six months in residence at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, she announced her retirement from competition swimming in 1995, citing her prior success and waning motivation and competitive desire.

Wikipedia

But as the interest in relationships waned, so the desire to have children grew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"High- and middle-income earners in these countries have an insatiable desire for luxury products, and this is not waning with the economic slowdown".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual loss of interest or motivation, use "waning desire" to convey a sense of subtlety and nuance. It suggests a natural decline rather than an abrupt stop.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "waning desire" to external circumstances when the issue is a lack of opportunity. "Waning desire" implies an internal shift, not an external restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waning desire" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "waning" modifies the noun "desire". Ludwig AI confirms this usage, indicating a decreasing or diminishing longing or interest. It describes a state of decline.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Waning desire" is a phrase used to describe a gradual decrease in interest or passion, often applicable in contexts ranging from personal relationships to professional endeavors. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase, highlighting its ability to convey a subtle, natural decline rather than a sudden stop. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist solidifies its place in standard English usage. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like diminishing interest or fading passion to maintain precise meaning. Understanding common misattributions, such as conflating external restrictions with internal shifts, enables more accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishing interest

Focuses on the reduction of interest rather than the longing.

fading passion

Highlights the decrease in passionate feelings.

declining enthusiasm

Emphasizes a reduction in excitement and eagerness.

decreasing motivation

Spotlights the reduction in the drive to act or achieve.

ebb of longing

Uses 'ebb' to signify a receding or lessening of longing.

weakening yearning

Indicates that the yearning sensation is becoming less intense.

receding inclination

Suggests the inclination or tendency is moving further away.

shrinking appetite

Focuses more on the reduction of wanting something.

subsiding urge

Implies that the strong impulse is becoming quieter.

cooling ardor

Expresses a decrease in fervor or intense feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "waning desire" to describe a gradual decrease in someone's interest or passion for something. For example, "As the project continued, her "waning desire" became apparent to the team."

What are some alternatives to "waning desire"?

Some alternatives to "waning desire" include "diminishing interest", "fading passion", and "declining enthusiasm".

Is it appropriate to use "waning desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "waning desire" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the context than the formality of the writing.

What's the difference between "waning desire" and "lack of desire"?

"Waning desire" implies a gradual decrease in interest, while "lack of desire" suggests a complete absence of interest. "Waning desire" suggests something was once present, whereas "lack of desire" doesn't.