worldly goals

USAGE SUMMARY

'worldly goals' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to goals or aspirations focused on achievements in the material world, such as money, fame, or power. For example, "John has always had lofty worldly goals, hoping to become a millionaire by the time he's thirty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Traditional yoga is supposed to teach you how to renounce worldly goals," Goldberg writes in this event-crammed biography.

The New Yorker

These rivals often expose each other's hypocrisy and claim that everyone else is a user of God's message for worldly goals.

The Washington Post

He embraced at least seven lives in one and found a way of balancing the contradiction in the pursuit of worldly goals and the artist's truth.

The Guardian

Hoping that the rebels with more worldly goals are tiring of their partnership with Mr Zarqawi, the Americans are encouraged by reports of clashes between foreign Islamists and more tribally-based Iraqis near the northern town of al-Qaim.

The Economist

This is especially true because many of these religions have traditionally been concerned with the paths of personal salvation that frequently emphasize other worldly goals and reject this world as corrupting.

Yale University

"Traditional yoga is supposed to teach you how to renounce worldly goals," Goldberg writes in this event-crammed biography.… Every spring, the University of Alabama at Birmingham hosts a concert by its gospel choir, a student group that is also an academic elective.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He never abandoned his worldly goal but harnessed it to uncompromising religious and political convictions.

The New York Times - Arts

Although not used until the 20th century, the phrase is related to the ideas of plain speech and simplicity which Fox practiced, but motivated by the more worldly goal of eradicating war, injustice and oppression.

Wikipedia

His son has worldlier goals.

The Economist

If I were to go into it deeply, enough to achieve real spiritual fulfillment, would I first have to forego all worldly desires, goals and pleasures?

Huffington Post

However lofty the three-day crusade's spiritual goals, the worldly preparations for a huge religious event can be mighty impressive, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations or values, use "worldly goals" to clearly denote a focus on tangible achievements and success in the material world.

Common error

Avoid equating "worldly goals" solely with happiness or purpose. While achieving such goals can bring satisfaction, remember that lasting fulfillment often involves values beyond material success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worldly goals" functions as a noun phrase, where 'worldly' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'goals'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. It describes specific types of objectives related to material success and achievement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worldly goals" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase referring to ambitions centered around material achievements and success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in writing. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While the pursuit of "worldly goals" is a personal choice, it's crucial to consider the balance between material success and other values, such as personal fulfillment and ethical considerations. Alternative phrases like "materialistic ambitions" and "secular objectives" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worldly ambitions

Synonymous, simply replaces 'goals' with 'ambitions'.

materialistic ambitions

Emphasizes the focus on material possessions and wealth as the primary drivers of ambition.

secular objectives

Highlights the non-religious or non-spiritual nature of the goals.

earthly pursuits

Focuses on activities and goals that are related to the physical world and human existence.

practical aims

Stresses the realistic and achievable nature of the goals.

career aspirations

Specifies that the goals are related to professional advancement and success.

financial targets

Pinpoints the economic aspect, emphasizing monetary achievements.

tangible objectives

Highlights the concrete and measurable nature of the goals.

temporal ambitions

Focuses on ambitions related to the current life or era, rather than eternity.

mundane aspirations

Suggests the goals are ordinary and commonplace, related to everyday life.

FAQs

How can I use "worldly goals" in a sentence?

You can use "worldly goals" to describe someone's ambitions, such as: "His "worldly goals" included owning a mansion and a sports car", or to contrast them with spiritual aspirations.

What is the difference between "worldly goals" and "spiritual goals"?

"Worldly goals" focus on achievements in the material world, like wealth and status, while "spiritual goals" relate to inner peace, enlightenment, and connection with something greater than oneself.

Are "worldly goals" inherently bad?

Not necessarily. Pursuing "worldly goals" is a personal choice, and they can provide motivation and drive. However, it's important to consider the ethical implications and balance them with other values.

What are some examples of "worldly goals"?

Examples of "worldly goals" include achieving financial success, gaining social status, building a successful career, and acquiring material possessions.