aggressive ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aggressive ambition" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a strong and determined desire to achieve something, often at the expense of others. Example: "His aggressive ambition to become the CEO led him to sabotage his colleagues and climb the corporate ladder at any cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He's got an aggressive ambition to him," said Brian Skiba, a senior analyst with Lehman Brothers in London.

The New York Times

The way that Rangers swept Airdrie aside on Wednesday night to clinch the title - in a display full of energy, high tempo and aggressive ambition - should have been typical of Ally McCoist's side this season.

BBC

But with the young poet Minou Drouet (victim of her mother's aggressive ambition) and several others (Maxwell Perkins and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings) he exhibits an unusual, discreet tenderness, as if he actually had the power to lift them up and heal damage sustained in the cultural trenches.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even if handstand pushups have no place in your life, there's something eye-opening and even inspiring about the site's aggressive ambitions for the human body.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the American perspective, we still live in a world of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, despots with aggressive ambitions, and ethnic cleansing.

The New York Times

"Statements of this kind and new promises to Tbilisi of fast NATO membership only strengthen the dangerous feeling of impunity of the Saakashvili regime and encourage its aggressive ambitions," a spokesman, Andrei Nesterenko, said.

The New York Times

Others say that it's naïve — so very "old Enlightenment," as Robert Kagan, the author of "The Return of History and the End of Dreams" (Knopf; $19.95), puts it — to imagine that the aggressive ambitions of great nations can be muzzled that way.

The New Yorker

"The threat is that nations with aggressive ambitions could come to believe that because of their missile capability, we could be deterred from intervening in their region," said Barry M. Blechman, a member of the Rumsfeld panel and chairman of the Henry L. Stimson Center, a Washington-based research organization.

The New York Times

Seems to have softened his tone as antitrust lawsuits by the Justice Department and several state attorneys general threaten to blunt company's aggressive ambitions.

Forbes

Lime launched e-scooter services in several cities across Europe last summer, starting in Paris with aggressive ambitions to expand its business to 25 cities in Europe by the end of 2018.

TechCrunch

Saudi Arabia is deeply troubled by Iran's aggressive ambitions and concerned with the destabilization of their southern neighbor.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aggressive ambition", ensure that the context makes it clear whether this drive is viewed positively or negatively. The phrase can imply either a commendable determination or an unprincipled ruthlessness.

Common error

Be careful not to equate "aggressive ambition" with simple assertiveness. While ambition involves striving for goals, aggression implies a disregard for others' rights or feelings in the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aggressive ambition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "aggressive" modifies the noun "ambition". This combination describes the intensity and forceful nature of one's aspirations. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aggressive ambition" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong and forceful desire for success. Ludwig's examples show that it can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, writers should be mindful of its implications and potential alternatives, such as "intense drive" or "unyielding determination", to ensure the intended message is conveyed accurately. Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and strive for clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense drive

Emphasizes the strong motivation and energy behind pursuing goals, shifting the focus from outward behavior to internal impetus.

unyielding determination

Highlights steadfastness and resolve, replacing the connotation of outward aggression with unwavering commitment.

ruthless pursuit

Conveys a similar level of intensity and willingness to overcome obstacles, potentially implying a harsher or more self-centered approach.

relentless desire

Focuses on the unceasing nature of the longing for achievement, swapping "ambition" for a more emotional term.

high-powered motivation

Describes intense and effective internal drive, rephrasing "ambition" as the state of being highly motivated.

forceful aspiration

Implies a proactive and assertive approach to achieving goals. "Forceful" replaces "aggressive", softening the tone.

fierce eagerness

Emphasizes the passionate and intense nature of one's anticipation and enthusiasm, using more emotive language.

extreme zeal

Highlights the passionate and unwavering commitment, substituting a more formal term for "ambition".

cutthroat aspiration

Emphasizes the competitive and potentially ruthless nature of ambition in a particular field, retaining a similar negative connotation.

audacious goals

Shifts the focus from the drive to the ambition itself, highlighting the boldness and daring nature of the objectives.

FAQs

How can "aggressive ambition" be perceived negatively?

Aggressive ambition can be seen negatively when it leads to unethical behavior, such as undermining colleagues or sacrificing personal values for professional gain. It suggests a win-at-all-costs mentality.

What is a more positive way to describe high ambition?

Instead of "aggressive ambition", you could use phrases like "strong drive", "intense motivation", or "unyielding determination" to emphasize the positive aspects of ambition without implying ruthlessness.

In what contexts is "aggressive ambition" considered acceptable?

In highly competitive environments, such as high-stakes business or sports, "aggressive ambition" may be considered acceptable as long as it remains within ethical and legal boundaries.

How does "aggressive ambition" differ from simply being ambitious?

While ambition is a general desire for achievement, "aggressive ambition" suggests a particularly forceful and potentially ruthless approach to reaching one's goals. The "strong drive" is therefore characterized by intensity and a competitive edge.