yearning to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning to win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing to achieve victory or success in a particular context, such as sports, competitions, or personal goals. Example: "The athlete was yearning to win the championship after years of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But from his first test in the Lotus, it became clear that the old Raikkonen was back and not just ready, but yearning to win again.

The New York Times - Sports

The establishment almost always decides presidential primaries, and after two terms out of the White House, the yearning to win exceeds the thirst for ideological purity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politicians from "governing parties eager to hold on to power" or "opposition parties yearning to win power" should not duck issues of media regulation, Cameron added.

The Guardian

Still yearning to win yachting's most prestigious trophy, the America's Cup.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If this most reluctant of superstars doesn't yearn to win Sunday's contest for himself, then what about his sport?

Independent

As Donald yearns to win a major, any major, so Wozniacki needs a Grand Slam, although she has never before gone beyond the fourth round here.

Independent

His son (Jason Schwartzman) is a misfit who yearns to win Mr Fox's approval, while his nephew, Kristofferson, is a student of yoga and kung fu.

Independent

How satisfying is it for him, following his victory on Don't Push It in April, that people like me can no longer quiz him on how much he yearns to win the elusive Grand National?

Independent

Lorna Luft, one of Ms. Garland's daughters and an executive producer of the mini-series, said she yearned to win an Emmy for a special reason: "It would be the coolest thing, because my Mom never won one.

The New York Times

Hockey players yearn to win "the Cup".

Huffington Post

He said the candidate had the "yearning necessary" to win the race, and called him "a very uncommon, common man".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning to win" to convey a deep, emotional desire for success that goes beyond simple ambition. This phrase works well when describing characters in literature or individuals with significant personal stakes in an outcome.

Common error

While "yearning to win" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly sentimental or dramatic in formal business or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more direct alternatives like "determined to succeed" or "focused on achieving victory" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning to win" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing for success. It adds an emotional depth to the act of wanting to achieve victory, going beyond simple aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearning to win" effectively conveys a strong emotional desire for success, as verified by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound, its use is more prevalent in news and media contexts where emotional depth is valued. Alternative phrases such as "longing to win" or "desiring victory" can be used to adjust the tone and formality. When employing this phrase, remember that while it's correct to express a deep longing, be mindful of overuse, especially in professional communications where directness is favored. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that "yearning to win" paints a more emotive picture than simply wanting to win.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing to win

Emphasizes a sense of sadness or sentimentality associated with the desire.

desiring victory

More formal and emphasizes the object of the yearning.

eager to triumph

Highlights enthusiasm and anticipation of success.

aspiring to win

Focuses on the ambition and goal-oriented nature of the desire.

craving success

Implies a strong, almost addictive need for achievement.

hungry for victory

Uses a metaphor to convey intense desire.

determined to succeed

Highlights resolve and commitment.

driven to win

Suggests an internal force pushing towards success.

ambitious for triumph

Highlights the level of ambition and achievement implied.

wanting to be victorious

A more straightforward and less intense way of expressing the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "yearning to win" in a sentence?

You can use "yearning to win" to describe someone's deep desire for success, for example, "Despite the challenges, she was "yearning to win" the competition".

What are some alternatives to "yearning to win"?

Some alternatives include "longing to win", "desiring victory", or "eager to triumph", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "yearning to win" formal or informal?

"Yearning to win" leans towards a slightly more informal or emotional register. In very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "aspiring to win" or "determined to succeed" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "yearning to win" and "wanting to win"?

"Yearning to win" suggests a deeper, more emotional desire than "wanting to win". "Wanting" implies a simple desire, while "yearning" implies a strong, almost painful longing.