driven

[ driv-uhn ]

verb

1. past participle of drive.

adjective

1. being under compulsion, as to succeed or excel:

   a driven young man who was fiercely competitive.

2. controlled or propelled by something specified (used in combination):

   a market-driven approach to retaining talent; data-driven business strategies; a water pump that is solar driven.

driven

/ ˈdrɪvən /

verb

1. the past participle of drive

Other Words From

• driven·ness noun
• un·driven adjective
• well-driven adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of driven¹

First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective for an earlier sense

Idioms and Phrases

see pure as the driven snow .

Example Sentences

In more recent years, rising housing and child-rearing costs as well as workplace pressures forcing women to choose between motherhood and their careers have driven the figure down even further.

From Los Angeles Times

The industry body estimated the sector was heading for a deficit in the region of £60m this year - mostly driven by increased staffing costs.

From BBC

But, again, China is left wondering what has driven someone to such inconceivable horror.

From BBC

Legal experts see danger in politically driven investigations.

From Los Angeles Times

In November 2019, the Maria fire burned along the Santa Clara River, similarly driven by Santa Ana winds.

From Los Angeles Times