willpower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "willpower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the ability to control oneself and make decisions that align with one's goals, especially in the context of resisting short-term temptations in order to meet long-term objectives. Example: "She demonstrated incredible willpower by sticking to her diet despite the tempting desserts at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Abrahams believes that the problem is not so much human willpower as finance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Contrary to the notion that it's all in our heads, Baumeister provides a lengthy review of studies that suggest willpower draws disproportionately on blood glucose, a brain fuel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He then dismisses Baumeister's notion that willpower is like a muscle as probably nothing more than a "catchy metaphor".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He went on: "He understands that his previous offending was because he had a drink problem and it's in my submission an indication of the strength of his character that he himself has overcome that drink problem through determination and willpower.

The Guardian

To attack Baumeister's notion, Mischel supplies a paper that argues the contrary, and also cites the work of Stanford's Professor Carol Dweck, who thinks our levels of willpower depend, to a great extent, on our beliefs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Across Europe, the Greek precedent created perhaps the biggest crisis the EU has ever faced, as markets speculated that it might not have enough cash or willpower to see through the costly rescue bid, and that Greece might ultimately be left to crash out of the eurozone – an ominous precedent.

The Guardian

And if you're Sheryl Sandberg, with brains, connections, willpower and money, then the world is your oyster – even if it doesn't feel that way to her right now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Islands are a prism through which we can see our world, but they have also been prisons from which to escape – if, for example, you are Papillon, aka Henri Charrière, who fled Devil's Island in 1969, or Robben Island, from which the great Nelson Mandela escaped by other means - his strength of character and the willpower and bravery of those who supported him.

The Guardian - Music

His once formidable willpower was fading, and his thoughtless treatment of his family when he was a younger, ambitious man had caught up with him.

The Guardian

For Liliana, willpower alone will not suffice.

The Guardian

Because of ignorance or intemperance, lack of willpower or brainpower, people choose badly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your "willpower", start by setting small, achievable goals. This builds momentum and reinforces your ability to stick to commitments.

Common error

Don't rely solely on "willpower" for major life changes. Combine it with supportive strategies like habit stacking, environmental adjustments, and accountability partners to increase your chances of success.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "willpower" is as a noun. It typically refers to the internal strength or determination that enables someone to control their impulses, actions, and thoughts to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "willpower" is a commonly used noun that signifies the mental strength needed to control one's actions and impulses. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While it's considered suitable for neutral registers, it can also be appropriate in professional or formal contexts depending on the writing style. When using "willpower", remember that it's more effective when paired with supportive strategies and a clear understanding of its limitations. For alternative expressions, consider using "self-discipline", "determination", or "resolve" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-discipline

Focuses more on the training and control aspect of one's behavior.

determination

Highlights the firmness of purpose and resolve.

resolve

Emphasizes a firm decision to do something.

self-control

Directly relates to the ability to manage one's emotions and desires.

fortitude

Suggests courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

grit

Implies perseverance and passion for long-term goals.

tenacity

Highlights the quality of being very determined; persistence.

perseverance

Focuses on continued effort despite difficulties.

inner strength

Broadly refers to the psychological and emotional resilience an individual possesses.

moral fiber

Emphasizes the ethical and principled nature of one's determination.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "willpower" in a sentence?

Use "willpower" to describe the mental strength to resist temptations or overcome obstacles. For example: "She demonstrated great "self-discipline" by sticking to her diet."

What are some alternatives to using the word "willpower"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "self-control", "determination", or "resolve" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it accurate to describe "willpower" as a limited resource?

Some theories suggest "willpower" is like a muscle that can fatigue with overuse. Therefore, strategically manage your energy and focus on one challenging task at a time.

How does motivation relate to "willpower"?

"Willpower" is the strength to act in accordance with your goals even when motivation wanes. Maintaining clear goals can help sustain both "motivation" and "willpower".