To remain determined, competitive, motivated, and active in one's hopes, ambitions, or goals; to keep oneself from becoming complacent or self-satisfied with less than one might potentially achieve. You've got a lot of skill, kid, and you're one of the best fighters in the city—but you've got to stay hungry and never lose sight of the biggest prizes out there! It was hard staying hungry after finding such success with my first novel. I just found I wasn't as driven to write when I'd already garnered so much praise and recognition.

slang A bout of hunger. Trail mix is the tried-and-true snack for hikers when they need to ward off the hungries mid-hike. Sorry for being so grumpy. I've got the hungries pretty bad.

To feel hungry as a result of not eating. This is your only option for dinner, kids—eat it, or go hungry. So many people in our area go hungry—that's why we organized this food drive.

Very hungry. Hey, when is dinner going to be ready? I'm hungry as a bear!

Very hungry. Hey, when is dinner going to be ready? I'm hungry as a hunter!

Strongly desiring something. Want to stop at McDonald's? I'm hungry for some of their fries. If she's not hungry for a medal, there's no way she'll be able to beat her fellow competitors.