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B1 Adjective #43 most common 13 min read

driven

Top 43

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips driven in 30 Seconds

Explanation driven in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might know the word 'drive' as a verb, like 'I drive a car.' The word 'driven' is the past form, used when we talk about the car. For example, 'The car was driven by my dad.' At this level, we don't usually use 'driven' to describe a person's personality. We use simpler words like 'hardworking' or 'good student.' If you see 'driven' in a simple sentence, it almost always refers to a vehicle or a physical movement. For example, 'The snow was driven by the wind' means the wind pushed the snow. It is important to learn the basic verb 'to drive' first. Once you know that 'drive' means to move or control something, it becomes easier to understand the adjective 'driven' later. Think of a car moving fast toward a place—that is the basic idea of being 'driven.' You are moving toward a goal. But for now, just remember it as the past part of 'drive.' If someone says 'He is driven,' and you are an A1 learner, you might think they are talking about a car ride. That is okay! Just know that in English, many words about moving also describe how we feel or work. A 'driven' person is like a car that never stops until it gets to the house. They work very hard and do not want to take a break. They have a 'drive' inside them. But usually, at A1, you will only see this in sentences about cars or weather.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand 'driven' as a way to describe a very hardworking person. If you have a friend who studies every night and wants to get the best grades, you can say they are 'driven.' It is a stronger word than 'hardworking.' While 'hardworking' just means you do a lot of work, 'driven' means you have a reason or a goal that pushes you. You can think of it like this: a 'driven' person has a small motor inside them that keeps them going. You might also see 'driven' in simple compound words. For example, 'results-driven.' This means the person only cares about the final result or the 'score.' In A2, you should practice using 'driven' with the verb 'to be.' For example: 'She is very driven.' Or 'He became driven after he failed his first test.' You can also use it to describe things that are moved by nature. 'The rain was driven against the window by the strong wind.' This means the wind was so strong it pushed the rain hard. It is a good word to use in your writing to show you know more than just basic adjectives. Instead of saying 'He is a very good worker,' you can say 'He is a driven worker.' This sounds more natural and advanced. Just remember that 'driven' usually describes someone who is very serious about their goals.

At the B1 level, 'driven' becomes a key vocabulary word for describing character and professional motivation. This is the level where you should move beyond simple adjectives like 'ambitious' and start using 'driven' to describe a specific type of intensity. A driven person is someone who is highly motivated and determined to succeed. They are often described as having a 'drive'—an internal force that compels them to act. You will often hear this in the context of careers or sports. For example, 'To be a professional athlete, you have to be incredibly driven.' At B1, you should also become familiar with the 'driven by' structure. This explains the cause of the motivation. 'She is driven by a desire to help others.' 'He is driven by his fear of failure.' This structure is very common in intermediate English. You will also start to see 'driven' used in business contexts, such as 'market-driven' or 'customer-driven.' These are compound adjectives. They mean that the market or the customer is the thing that 'drives' or controls the decisions of the company. Understanding this word helps you read news articles and business reports more easily. It is also a great word to use in a job interview. If you tell an employer, 'I am a driven person,' it tells them that you are self-motivated and don't need someone to watch you all the time to make sure you are working.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'driven' with nuance and in more complex grammatical structures. You should understand that while 'driven' is usually a positive trait, it can sometimes have a negative connotation if someone is 'too driven,' implying they might be obsessive or neglectful of other parts of their life. You should also be comfortable using 'driven' in the passive voice to describe causal relationships in more formal writing. For example, 'The recent increase in house prices has been driven by a shortage of supply.' Here, 'driven' is a more sophisticated alternative to 'caused' or 'led to.' You should also master the use of adverbs with 'driven' to add detail. Phrases like 'singularly driven,' 'ideologically driven,' or 'commercially driven' allow you to be very specific about the nature of the motivation. At this level, you should also recognize the idiomatic use of 'driven to,' such as 'driven to despair' or 'driven to distraction.' These phrases describe being pushed into an extreme emotional state. In B2 discussions about society or technology, you will often use 'driven' to describe systems. 'We live in a data-driven world' means that data is the primary force shaping our society. Being able to use 'driven' in these various ways—personality, causality, and idiomatic expressions—is a hallmark of an upper-intermediate speaker.

At the C1 level, your use of 'driven' should be precise and varied. You should understand the subtle differences between 'driven,' 'compelled,' 'obsessed,' and 'ambitious.' A C1 speaker knows that 'driven' implies an internal necessity, often one that the person feels they cannot ignore. You should be able to use it in high-level academic or professional discourse to describe complex causal chains. For example, 'The shift toward renewable energy is driven by a confluence of technological innovation, regulatory pressure, and shifting consumer preferences.' Notice how 'driven' here acts as the anchor for a very complex sentence. You should also be aware of the 'character-driven' vs. 'plot-driven' distinction in literary and film criticism. A 'character-driven' story focuses on the internal growth and motivations of the characters, whereas a 'plot-driven' story focuses on external events. Using these terms correctly shows a deep understanding of English stylistic conventions. Furthermore, you should be able to use 'driven' to describe abstract concepts, such as 'theory-driven research' or 'value-driven leadership.' This shows you can apply the word beyond simple human motivation to the realm of ideas and organizational philosophy. At C1, 'driven' is not just a word for 'hardworking'; it is a versatile tool for describing the fundamental forces that move people, markets, and ideas.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'driven' and can use it with total flexibility and stylistic flair. You understand its etymological roots—the idea of being 'pushed' or 'herded' like cattle—and how that sense of external or internal pressure informs all its modern uses. You can use 'driven' to create powerful metaphors or to describe the most subtle of psychological states. For instance, you might describe a character as being 'driven by the ghosts of his past,' using the word to evoke a sense of haunting and inevitability. You are also fully aware of the rhythmic and phonological qualities of the word, using it effectively in speeches or creative writing to create emphasis. In professional settings, you can navigate the 'buzzword' nature of 'driven' by using it sparingly and only when it truly fits, or by subverting it (e.g., 'In an increasingly data-driven world, we must not lose sight of the human-driven elements of empathy and intuition'). You understand the legal and technical nuances as well, such as in 'driven piles' in construction or 'driven gears' in mechanics, and can transition between these literal and metaphorical meanings without effort. At this level, 'driven' is a word you don't just know; you feel its weight and its history, and you use it to add depth, precision, and authority to your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

driven in 30 Seconds

Driven describes a person with intense motivation and a relentless desire to achieve their goals, often seen as a key trait for professional success.
It also functions as a suffix in compound adjectives like 'data-driven' to indicate the primary force or factor controlling a process or decision.
The word implies a sense of inevitability and directed energy, suggesting that the subject is being 'pushed' toward a specific outcome by internal or external forces.
While generally positive, it can occasionally suggest an obsessive focus that may lead to a lack of balance in other areas of life.

The word driven is a powerful adjective used to describe a person whose internal engine is always running at high speed toward a specific goal. At its core, being driven means you are not just interested in success; you are compelled by it. It is a state of being where your motivation is so intense that it functions like an external force pushing you forward, even when you are tired or facing obstacles. In modern English, we use this word most frequently in professional and academic contexts to highlight a person's relentless work ethic and their refusal to settle for mediocrity. However, the word also has a secondary, more technical meaning: it describes something that is operated or controlled by a specific factor. For example, a 'data-driven' decision is one made based on statistics rather than intuition. This dual nature makes 'driven' one of the most versatile words in the B1-B2 vocabulary range.

The Internal Spark: When we call a person driven, we are suggesting that their motivation comes from within. They do not need a boss to tell them to work hard; their own ambition acts as the driver. This is often seen as a highly positive trait in competitive environments like Silicon Valley or professional sports.
The External Force: In a more literal sense, driven refers to the power source of a machine or a process. A wind-driven mill uses the breeze to turn its gears. In business, we often hear about 'customer-driven' strategies, meaning the customers' needs are the force shaping the company's choices.

Success is not just about talent; it is about being so driven that you outwork everyone else in the room.

People use this word when they want to emphasize determination. If you say someone is 'hardworking,' it sounds nice but a bit standard. If you say they are 'driven,' it implies a deeper, almost unstoppable level of commitment. It suggests a journey with a destination. Just as a car is driven to a specific location, a driven person is moving toward a specific achievement. This word is common in job interviews, performance reviews, and biographies of successful entrepreneurs. It captures the essence of the 'Type A' personality—someone who is competitive, organized, and deeply focused on results.

The company's growth was driven by a sudden surge in online demand during the holiday season.

Common Collocations: We often see this word paired with adverbs like 'highly,' 'deeply,' or 'purposefully.' A 'highly driven individual' is a standard phrase in recruitment. You might also hear about 'market-driven' economies or 'mission-driven' non-profits.

She is so driven that she finished her four-year degree in only three years while working a full-time job.

The research project was driven by a desire to find a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Even as a child, he was driven to understand how machines worked, often taking apart his toys to see the gears inside.

In summary, use 'driven' to describe the 'why' and the 'how' of progress. It is the fuel in the engine of human achievement and the logic behind systemic changes. Whether it is a person's ambition or a technological requirement, 'driven' indicates a powerful, directed energy.

Using 'driven' correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that can describe people, processes, or things. When describing a person, it usually follows a linking verb like 'is,' 'seems,' or 'became.' For example, 'He is driven.' You can also use it as an attributive adjective before a noun: 'She is a driven leader.' However, the word truly shines when combined with other words to form compound adjectives. These compounds explain the source of the motivation or power.

The 'Source-Driven' Pattern: This is one of the most common ways to use the word in professional writing. You take a noun (the source) and add 'driven' with a hyphen. Examples include: 'profit-driven,' 'technology-driven,' 'community-driven,' and 'results-driven.' This tells the reader exactly what is pushing the subject forward.

The new policy is driven by a need to reduce carbon emissions across the entire supply chain.

When you are talking about a person's character, you can modify 'driven' with adverbs to show the intensity. 'Remarkably driven,' 'singularly driven,' or 'obsessively driven' all provide different shades of meaning. 'Singularly driven' suggests the person has only one goal in mind, while 'obsessively driven' might hint at a lack of balance.

Passive Voice Usage: Because 'driven' is the past participle of 'drive,' it is frequently used in passive constructions. 'The car was driven by a professional' is literal. 'The economy is driven by consumer spending' is metaphorical. In these cases, it functions more like a verb, but the meaning of 'powered by' remains the same.

She felt driven to succeed, not for the money, but to prove her doubters wrong.

In academic writing, 'driven' is used to describe causality. If one variable is 'driven' by another, it means the first variable changes because of the second. 'The increase in sea levels is driven by global warming.' This is a more formal and precise way to describe cause and effect.

A driven student often seeks out extra resources beyond what is assigned in class.

Our company culture is driven by innovation and a willingness to take calculated risks.

The protagonist of the novel is driven by a thirst for revenge against those who betrayed him.

The 'Driven to' Infinitive: You will often see 'driven' followed by 'to' and a verb. 'Driven to excel,' 'driven to distraction,' 'driven to despair.' This structure shows the result of the intense pressure or motivation. While 'driven to excel' is positive, 'driven to despair' describes an overwhelming negative force.

Mastering 'driven' involves recognizing whether you are describing a person's heart (ambition) or a system's engine (causality). In both cases, the word conveys a sense of movement and inevitability.

You will encounter the word 'driven' in several distinct environments, each using it with a slightly different flavor. In the corporate world, it is perhaps the most overused yet essential word in recruitment. If you look at LinkedIn profiles or job descriptions, you will see 'results-driven professional' or 'growth-driven mindset' constantly. In this context, it signals that the person or company is focused on the bottom line and is willing to work hard to achieve measurable success.

In Sports Commentary: Commentators often use 'driven' to describe athletes who have an incredible work ethic. They might say, 'What makes him a champion is how driven he is during the off-season.' Here, it refers to the grueling practice sessions and the mental toughness required to stay at the top of a sport.
In Tech and Science: This is where the 'source-driven' compounds are most common. 'AI-driven insights,' 'software-driven automation,' or 'data-driven research.' In these fields, 'driven' indicates the underlying technology or methodology that makes the output possible. It suggests that the human element is being guided or enhanced by a specific tool or logic.

The documentary explores the lives of driven individuals who have dedicated their lives to solving the climate crisis.

You also hear 'driven' in psychological and self-help contexts. Motivational speakers often talk about being 'driven by purpose.' They argue that if you find a 'why' that is strong enough, you will be 'driven' to overcome any 'how.' In this sense, 'driven' is almost synonymous with 'inspired' or 'called.'

The stock market's recent volatility was driven by fears of rising interest rates and geopolitical tension.

In Literature and Film: Characters are often described as 'driven' by a specific emotion—revenge, love, or greed. A 'character-driven' story is one where the plot moves forward because of the internal choices and development of the characters, rather than external events or action sequences.

He is a driven entrepreneur who started three successful companies before the age of thirty.

The team's success was driven by their collective belief that they could win against all odds.

In a driven society, people often find it difficult to simply relax and enjoy the present moment.

Finally, you will hear it in news reports concerning economics or weather. 'The fire was driven by high winds,' or 'The rally in tech stocks was driven by strong quarterly earnings.' In these cases, it identifies the primary catalyst behind a significant event. Whether in a boardroom, a stadium, or a laboratory, 'driven' is the word of choice for describing what makes things happen.

Despite its frequency, 'driven' can be tricky for learners. The most common mistake is confusing its use as an adjective with its use as a verb. Remember, 'driven' is the past participle of 'drive.' While you can say 'I have driven a car,' when you use it as an adjective, you are describing a state or a quality.

Mistake 1: Using 'Driving' Instead of 'Driven': Learners often say 'He is a driving person.' This is incorrect. A 'driving' force is something that causes things to happen (like 'the driving force behind the project'), but a person who has ambition is 'driven.' 'Driving' is active; 'driven' is the resulting state of being pushed by that ambition.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Driven' with 'Ambitious': While similar, they are not identical. 'Ambitious' focuses on the desire for power, money, or status. 'Driven' focuses on the energy and the internal compulsion to work. You can be ambitious but lazy (you want the prize but don't want to work); you cannot be driven and lazy.

Incorrect: He is very driving to finish his work.
Correct: He is very driven to finish his work.

Another mistake involves the preposition that follows 'driven.' When talking about the source of motivation, we use 'by.' 'Driven by greed,' 'driven by passion.' When talking about the goal, we use 'to' plus an infinitive. 'Driven to succeed.' Using 'for' (e.g., 'driven for success') is less common and often sounds slightly off to native speakers.

Mistake 3: Overusing the Word: Because 'driven' is a 'buzzword' in business, using it too much in a single paragraph can make your writing sound like a cliché. Try to vary your vocabulary with words like 'determined,' 'motivated,' or 'persistent' if you find yourself using 'driven' in every sentence.

Incorrect: The project was driven from a need for speed.
Correct: The project was driven by a need for speed.

Incorrect: She is a driven to be a doctor.
Correct: She is driven to be a doctor.

The decision was driven by facts, not emotions.

A driven athlete never misses a morning workout, even in the rain.

Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'driven to distraction.' This is an idiom meaning 'made very annoyed or unable to concentrate.' It has nothing to do with ambition. If you say, 'The noise is driving me to distraction,' you are saying the noise is making you crazy, not that you are highly motivated!

To truly master 'driven,' you must know how it compares to its synonyms. While 'driven' is a fantastic word, using the right alternative can make your English sound more precise and sophisticated.

Driven vs. Ambitious: 'Ambitious' is about the goal (I want to be CEO). 'Driven' is about the process and the energy (I will work harder than anyone to get there). Use 'ambitious' for dreams and 'driven' for the work ethic that achieves them.
Driven vs. Motivated: 'Motivated' is often temporary or specific. You might be motivated to go to the gym today because you saw a photo of yourself. 'Driven' is a long-term personality trait. It is a constant state of being, not a fleeting feeling.
Driven vs. Determined: 'Determined' is very close to 'driven,' but 'determined' often suggests overcoming a specific obstacle. 'I am determined to pass this test.' 'Driven' suggests a general, ongoing push toward success in all areas of life.

While he was ambitious, he lacked the driven nature required to actually build a business from scratch.

Other alternatives include 'industrious' (focuses on being busy and productive), 'relentless' (focuses on never stopping or giving up), and 'compelled' (focuses on the feeling that you have no choice but to act). In technical contexts, instead of 'data-driven,' you might use 'data-informed' (which suggests data is a guide, not the absolute master) or 'data-centric.'

She is relentless in her pursuit of justice, often working through the night to find new evidence.

The purpose-driven organization focuses on social impact rather than just maximizing shareholder profits.

Comparison Table: 1. Driven: Internal engine, high energy, constant.
2. Ambitious: Goal-oriented, status-seeking.
3. Motivated: Specific reason for action, can be temporary.
4. Persistent: Doesn't give up when things get hard.

His industrious approach to his studies earned him a full scholarship to the university.

The project was market-driven, meaning every feature was designed based on direct feedback from potential users.

He felt compelled to speak out against the injustice he witnessed in his community.

By choosing the right synonym, you can convey exactly what kind of energy or motivation you are describing. 'Driven' remains the best all-around word for high-intensity, goal-oriented behavior.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The metaphorical use of 'driven' to describe a person's ambition didn't become common until the 19th and 20th centuries. Before that, if you were 'driven,' it usually meant you were being chased by an enemy or a storm!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdrɪv.ən/

US /ˈdrɪv.ən/

The stress is on the first syllable: DRIV-en.

Rhymes With

given heaven striven shriven liven seven leaven proven (slant rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ai' (like 'drive-en'). It should be a short 'i'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Forgetting the 'v' sound and making it sound like 'driffen'.
Over-pronouncing the 'e' in the second syllable; it should be very light.
Confusing it with 'driving' in spoken sentences.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and business, but compound forms can be complex.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of hyphens and prepositions like 'by' and 'to'.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce but needs correct stress on the first syllable.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish between the adjective and the past participle of the verb.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

drive motivation ambition success goal

Learn Next

relentless industrious compelled incentive catalyst

Advanced

imperative confluence determinant propulsion intrinsic

Grammar to Know

Compound Adjectives with -driven

Use a hyphen when the compound adjective comes before the noun: 'A data-driven decision.' No hyphen is needed after the verb: 'The decision was data driven.'

Passive Voice with 'Driven'

Use 'driven by' to indicate the cause: 'The change was driven by the new CEO.'

Driven + Infinitive

Use 'to' + base verb to show the goal: 'She is driven to succeed.'

Driven + Prepositional Phrase

Use 'to' + noun for emotional states: 'driven to despair', 'driven to distraction'.

Adverbial Modification

Use adverbs like 'highly', 'singularly', or 'deeply' to modify the intensity of 'driven'.

Examples by Level

The car was driven by my father.

Le voiture était conduite par mon père.

Passive voice: 'was' + past participle 'driven'.

He is a very driven student.

C'est un étudiant très motivé.

Adjective 'driven' describing the noun 'student'.

The snow was driven by the wind.

La neige était poussée par le vent.

Literal use of 'driven' meaning pushed.

She is driven to win the race.

Elle est déterminée à gagner la course.

'Driven to' + infinitive verb.

My brother is a driven worker.

Mon frère est un travailleur acharné.

Simple adjective use.

The bus is driven to the station.

Le bus est conduit à la gare.

Literal movement.

She is a driven person.

C'est une personne motivée.

Basic adjective-noun structure.

The rain was driven against the door.

La pluie était projetée contre la porte.

Describing physical force.

She is driven to succeed in her new job.

Elle est déterminée à réussir dans son nouveau travail.

Focus on personal ambition.

He is a results-driven manager.

C'est un manager axé sur les résultats.

Compound adjective with a hyphen.

The team was driven by a strong leader.

L'équipe était dirigée par un leader fort.

Passive voice with 'by' for the agent.

They are driven to help the poor.

Ils sont poussés par l'envie d'aider les pauvres.

Describing a moral motivation.

The car is driven every day.

La voiture est conduite tous les jours.

Present simple passive.

He became very driven after the meeting.

Il est devenu très motivé après la réunion.

Linking verb 'became' + adjective.

Is she a driven athlete?

Est-ce une athlète déterminée ?

Question form.

The leaves were driven across the garden.

Les feuilles étaient emportées à travers le jardin.

Describing movement by wind.

She is a highly driven individual who never gives up.

C'est une personne très motivée qui n'abandonne jamais.

Adverb 'highly' modifying 'driven'.

The company's success is driven by innovation.

Le succès de l'entreprise est porté par l'innovation.

Describing causality in business.

He felt driven to prove his critics wrong.

Il se sentait poussé à prouver que ses détracteurs avaient tort.

Verb 'felt' + adjective + infinitive.

We need a more data-driven approach to this problem.

Nous avons besoin d'une approche plus axée sur les données pour ce problème.

Compound adjective in a professional context.

The economy is driven by consumer spending.

L'économie est tirée par la consommation des ménages.

Economic cause and effect.

She was driven to despair by the bad news.

Elle a été poussée au désespoir par les mauvaises nouvelles.

Idiomatic expression 'driven to despair'.

A mission-driven organization focuses on its goals.

Une organisation guidée par sa mission se concentre sur ses objectifs.

Compound adjective for organizations.

He is so driven that he rarely takes a vacation.

Il est tellement motivé qu'il prend rarement des vacances.

'So... that' construction for emphasis.

The market is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence.

Le marché est de plus en plus dominé par l'intelligence artificielle.

Adverb 'increasingly' + passive construction.

His behavior was driven by a deep-seated insecurity.

Son comportement était dicté par une insécurité profonde.

Describing psychological motivation.

She is a singularly driven scientist dedicated to her research.

C'est une scientifique exceptionnellement déterminée et dévouée à ses recherches.

Adverb 'singularly' adds intensity.

The project was driven to completion ahead of schedule.

Le projet a été mené à son terme avant l'échéance prévue.

Passive voice describing a process.

Are these decisions profit-driven or value-driven?

Ces décisions sont-elles motivées par le profit ou par les valeurs ?

Comparing two compound adjectives.

The noise from the street was driving her to distraction.

Le bruit de la rue la rendait folle.

Idiom: 'driving someone to distraction'.

The fire, driven by high winds, spread rapidly through the forest.

L'incendie, attisé par des vents violents, s'est propagé rapidement dans la forêt.

Appositive phrase describing physical force.

He is a driven entrepreneur with a track record of success.

C'est un entrepreneur déterminé qui a déjà fait ses preuves.

Standard professional description.

The shift in policy was driven by a confluence of political factors.

Le changement de politique a été motivé par une convergence de facteurs politiques.

Using 'driven' to describe complex causality.

She is an ideologically driven politician who refuses to compromise.

C'est une femme politique guidée par l'idéologie qui refuse tout compromis.

Compound adjective for belief systems.

The narrative is character-driven, focusing on internal conflict.

Le récit est centré sur les personnages, se concentrant sur les conflits internes.

Literary term for story structure.

The research was driven by the hypothesis that genes influence behavior.

La recherche a été guidée par l'hypothèse selon laquelle les gènes influencent le comportement.

Academic use for scientific inquiry.

He was driven to the brink of exhaustion by the relentless workload.

Il a été poussé au bord de l'épuisement par la charge de travail incessante.

Idiomatic: 'driven to the brink of'.

The company adopted a customer-driven strategy to regain market share.

L'entreprise a adopté une stratégie axée sur le client pour regagner des parts de marché.

Strategic business terminology.

Is our society becoming too technology-driven at the expense of human connection?

Notre société devient-elle trop dépendante de la technologie au détriment des relations humaines ?

Social critique using 'driven'.

The artist was driven by a need to express the suffering of his people.

L'artiste était poussé par le besoin d'exprimer la souffrance de son peuple.

Describing artistic motivation.

The economic recovery was driven by a surge in exports and domestic demand.

La reprise économique a été portée par une forte augmentation des exportations et de la demande intérieure.

Formal economic analysis.

He is a man driven by the ghosts of his past, seeking redemption through work.

C'est un homme hanté par son passé, cherchant la rédemption à travers le travail.

Metaphorical and literary use.

The legal decision was driven by a strict interpretation of the constitution.

La décision juridique a été dictée par une interprétation stricte de la constitution.

Formal legal context.

The project’s failure was driven by a lack of clear communication between departments.

L'échec du projet a été causé par un manque de communication claire entre les départements.

Causal analysis of failure.

In this theory-driven model, we prioritize abstract principles over empirical data.

Dans ce modèle fondé sur la théorie, nous privilégions les principes abstraits aux données empiriques.

High-level academic terminology.

The wind-driven rain lashed against the cliffs, eroding the stone over centuries.

La pluie poussée par le vent fouettait les falaises, érodant la pierre au fil des siècles.

Descriptive, evocative language.

She remains singularly driven, unswayed by the fickle nature of public opinion.

Elle reste exceptionnellement déterminée, nullement influencée par le caractère changeant de l'opinion publique.

Sophisticated character description.

The evolution of the species was driven by the harsh conditions of the ice age.

L'évolution de l'espèce a été dictée par les conditions rudes de l'ère glaciaire.

Scientific causal description.

Common Collocations

highly driven

data-driven

results-driven

market-driven

driven by a desire

driven to succeed

purpose-driven

singularly driven

customer-driven

wind-driven

Common Phrases

driven to distraction

— To be made very annoyed or unable to concentrate by something. It describes a state of mental agitation.

The constant clicking of his pen drove me to distraction.

driven to despair

— To be pushed into a state of hopelessness. It suggests that external circumstances have made someone feel they cannot go on.

After losing his home, he was driven to despair.

driven to the brink

— To be pushed to the very limit of one's endurance or sanity. It implies a critical point of failure.

The workers were driven to the brink of exhaustion by the long hours.

mission-driven

— An organization or person whose primary focus is achieving a specific social or ethical goal. It contrasts with being purely profit-driven.

The mission-driven non-profit provides clean water to remote villages.

value-driven

— Making decisions based on a set of core beliefs or ethics. It suggests that principles are more important than convenience.

Our value-driven leadership ensures that we always act with integrity.

technology-driven

— Something that is made possible or significantly changed by new technology. It highlights the role of innovation.

The modern workplace is increasingly technology-driven.

ideologically driven

— Motivated by a specific set of political or social beliefs. Often used to describe politicians or activists.

The debate was ideologically driven, with neither side willing to listen to facts.

driven by greed

— Motivated by a selfish desire for wealth or power. Usually used in a critical or negative way.

The corporate scandal was driven by greed and a lack of oversight.

community-driven

— A project or initiative that is started and maintained by the local people. It emphasizes grassroots effort.

The new park was a community-driven project that brought neighbors together.

driven to excel

— Having a powerful internal need to do things exceptionally well. It is a very positive professional trait.

She has always been driven to excel in everything she tries.

Often Confused With

driven vs driving

'Driving' is the active force (e.g., a driving rain), while 'driven' is the state of being pushed (e.g., a driven person).

driven vs ambitious

'Ambitious' is about the desire for status; 'driven' is about the internal energy and work ethic.

driven vs motivated

'Motivated' can be temporary and for a specific reason; 'driven' is a more permanent character trait.

Idioms & Expressions

"driven to the wall"

— To be forced into a desperate situation where you have no choice but to fight or give up. Similar to 'backed into a corner'.

With the bank threatening to take his house, he was driven to the wall.

informal

"what drives someone"

— The underlying motivation or reason why a person behaves the way they do. It asks about their core 'engine'.

I've always wondered what drives him to work such long hours.

neutral

"drive a hard bargain"

— To be very demanding and uncompromising when negotiating a deal. While it uses the verb, it relates to the 'driven' nature of the negotiator.

She's a tough negotiator who always drives a hard bargain.

neutral

"drive someone crazy"

— To annoy or irritate someone intensely. This is the most common informal use of the root word.

That loud music is driving me crazy!

informal

"drive something home"

— To make a point very clearly and forcefully so that it is fully understood. It suggests a strong, directed effort.

The teacher used a story to drive home the importance of honesty.

neutral

"in the driving seat"

— To be in control of a situation. If you are in the driving seat, you are the one who is 'driven' by your own choices.

After the promotion, she was finally in the driving seat of the department.

idiomatic

"drive a wedge between"

— To cause a disagreement or separation between two people or groups. It describes a forceful action that breaks a connection.

Money issues often drive a wedge between family members.

neutral

"drive someone to tears"

— To make someone so upset or frustrated that they start crying. It describes a powerful emotional impact.

The harsh criticism drove her to tears.

neutral

"drive at something"

— To try to express or suggest something indirectly. It asks about the intended meaning of a statement.

I'm not sure I understand what you're driving at.

neutral

"drive a point home"

— To emphasize a particular fact or idea very strongly. Similar to 'drive something home'.

The statistics were used to drive the point home that the plan was working.

neutral

Easily Confused

driven vs Striven

Sounds similar and both relate to effort.

'Striven' is the past participle of 'strive' (to try hard). 'Driven' is the past participle of 'drive' (to push/compel). You have 'striven' to do your best, but you are a 'driven' person.

He has striven for years to be a doctor; he is a very driven man.

driven vs Compelled

Both mean being pushed to do something.

'Compelled' often implies an external pressure or a moral obligation. 'Driven' usually implies an internal ambition or a systemic force.

I felt compelled to help the old lady; I am driven to succeed in my career.

driven vs Obsessed

Both involve intense focus.

'Obsessed' is usually negative and implies an unhealthy focus. 'Driven' is usually positive and implies a productive focus.

He is obsessed with his weight; she is driven to win the Olympic gold.

driven vs Impelled

Both mean pushed forward.

'Impelled' is more formal and often refers to a sudden urge or a specific physical force. 'Driven' is more common and refers to a long-term state.

He was impelled by curiosity to open the box; he is driven by his passion for science.

driven vs Determined

Very similar meanings.

'Determined' is a conscious decision to reach a goal. 'Driven' feels more like an innate part of someone's personality.

I am determined to finish this book tonight; she is a driven writer who publishes every year.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + very driven.

My sister is very driven.

Subject + is + driven by + [Noun].

He is driven by a love of music.

Subject + is + driven to + [Verb].

They are driven to help others.

[Noun]-driven + [Noun].

We need a results-driven plan.

Subject + was driven to + [Emotional State].

She was driven to tears by the movie.

[Adverb] + driven + [Noun].

She is a singularly driven researcher.

The [Event] + was driven by + [Complex Cause].

The revolution was driven by economic inequality.

Subject + remains + [Adverb] + driven.

He remains relentlessly driven despite his age.

Word Family

Nouns

drive (motivation/energy)

driver (someone who drives or a factor that causes something)

drivetrain (mechanical)

driveway

Verbs

drive (to operate a vehicle or to compel)

overdrive

outdrive

Adjectives

driven (motivated)

driving (forceful)

drivable

hard-driving

self-driven

test-driven

event-driven

market-driven

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business, high in sports, medium in general conversation.

Common Mistakes

He is a driving person. → He is a driven person.
'Driving' is an active adjective usually for forces; 'driven' describes a person's state of motivation.
She is driven for success. → She is driven to succeed / She is driven by success.
Use 'to' with a verb or 'by' with a noun. 'For' is less common and sounds slightly incorrect.
A data driven approach. → A data-driven approach.
Compound adjectives before a noun need a hyphen to show they function as one unit.
I am driven to the distraction. → I am driven to distraction.
The idiom 'driven to distraction' does not use the article 'the'.
He has driven to win. → He is driven to win.
When describing a personality trait, use the verb 'to be' + 'driven'. 'Has driven' is the present perfect verb form.

Tips

Use it for Long-Term Goals

Reserve 'driven' for describing people who have long-term, significant ambitions. Don't use it for someone who is just working hard on a small, one-time task.

Preposition Choice

Remember to use 'driven BY' for the cause (e.g., driven by passion) and 'driven TO' for the goal (e.g., driven to succeed).

Resume Power Word

'Driven' is a great word for resumes because it implies that you don't need constant supervision and that you are self-motivated.

Positive vs. Negative

Be aware that in some contexts, 'driven' can sound a bit cold or aggressive. Use it carefully if you want to sound friendly and approachable.

Compound Adjectives

Learn common compound forms like 'market-driven' and 'customer-driven' to improve your business English vocabulary significantly.

Vary Your Synonyms

If you use 'driven' in one sentence, try using 'determined' or 'motivated' in the next to avoid sounding repetitive.

Short 'I' Sound

Make sure the 'i' in 'driven' is short, like in 'sit'. If you make it long like in 'drive', people might not understand you.

Cultural Awareness

Understand that 'driven' is a very 'Western' value. In some cultures, being too driven might be seen as a negative trait that disrupts group harmony.

Distraction vs. Ambition

Don't confuse 'driven to distraction' (annoyed) with being a 'driven person' (ambitious). They are completely different meanings!

Causal Links

In essays, use 'driven by' to explain why something happened. It sounds much more sophisticated than 'because of'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'driver' in a race car. A 'driven' person has a driver inside their head who never lets them slow down until they cross the finish line.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a large, glowing battery in their chest, powering them to climb a steep mountain while others are resting at the bottom.

Word Web

ambition motivation success energy focus determination persistence results

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your biggest goal using the word 'driven.' Then, find a news article about a company and see if you can identify what is 'driving' their current strategy.

Word Origin

The word 'driven' comes from the Old English 'drīfan,' which meant to push, impel, or move something by force. It is related to the Old Norse 'drífa' and the German 'treiben.' Originally, it was used for physical actions like driving cattle or driving a nail into wood.

Original meaning: To push or impel by physical force.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'driven' to describe someone who is struggling with mental health, as it can sometimes imply a lack of control over their actions.

In the US and UK, 'driven' is a common 'power word' used in resumes and interviews to show high energy.

Steve Jobs is often described as a 'singularly driven' individual who changed the world. The movie 'Whiplash' depicts a 'driven' young drummer and his abusive teacher. The phrase 'Driven by a Dream' is a common slogan in motivational speaking.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interviews

I am a highly driven professional.
I am driven by a desire to learn.
I thrive in a results-driven environment.
My career has been driven by a passion for technology.

Business Reports

The growth was driven by increased demand.
We need a data-driven strategy.
The market is driven by consumer trends.
This is a mission-driven initiative.

Sports & Fitness

He is a driven athlete.
She is driven to win the championship.
What drives you to train every day?
A driven mindset is key to success.

Psychology & Self-Help

Are you driven by fear or love?
Find what drives you.
Being too driven can lead to burnout.
Purpose-driven living is more fulfilling.

Weather & Nature

Wind-driven rain lashed the coast.
The fire was driven by the breeze.
The waves were driven against the rocks.
A snow-driven landscape.

Conversation Starters

"Would you describe yourself as a driven person, or do you prefer a more relaxed approach to life?"

"What is the main thing that has driven your career choices so far?"

"Do you think it's possible for someone to be too driven? What are the risks?"

"In your opinion, is the modern world too data-driven, or is that a good thing?"

"Who is the most driven person you know, and what makes them that way?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time when you felt incredibly driven to achieve a goal. What was the source of that energy?

Write about the difference between being 'driven by passion' and 'driven by fear' in your own life.

How do you balance being a driven individual with the need for rest and relaxation?

Describe a 'purpose-driven' life. What would that look like for you specifically?

If you could be 'driven' by one single value for the next year, what would it be and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it can be. While usually a compliment in business, if you say someone is 'too driven,' it suggests they might be neglecting their family, health, or happiness in pursuit of their goals. It can imply a lack of balance.

'Data-driven' means the data makes the decision for you. 'Data-informed' means you look at the data, but you also use your intuition or experience to make the final choice. 'Data-driven' is more rigid.

It can be both! As a verb, it's the past participle of 'drive' (e.g., 'I have driven'). As an adjective, it describes a person's character (e.g., 'She is driven').

Use it as an adjective to describe yourself, such as 'A driven marketing professional with 5 years of experience.' Always follow it with specific achievements to prove your drive.

It's an idiom that means you are being made very annoyed or unable to focus by something, like a loud noise or a repetitive action. It's not about being ambitious.

No, that sounds unnatural. You should say 'He is a driven man.' 'Driving' is usually used for forces, like 'a driving rain' or 'the driving force behind the project.'

Common adverbs include 'highly,' 'remarkably,' 'singularly,' 'deeply,' 'ideologically,' and 'commercially.' These help specify the intensity or type of drive.

It is neutral but very common in formal business and academic contexts. It is perfectly fine to use in everyday conversation as well.

The opposite would be someone who is 'aimless,' 'apathetic,' 'lazy,' or 'unmotivated.' These words describe a lack of direction or energy.

We use a hyphen to join the two words into a single adjective that modifies a noun (e.g., 'data-driven decision'). This is a standard rule for compound adjectives in English.