ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Example: "Her ambition to become a successful entrepreneur drove her to work long hours and take risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

The Guardian

Many profess to be shocked by Katie's naked ambition.

The Guardian

I hope Katie ends up running a big company - an ambition she revealed in last night's show.

The Guardian

"It was important for us to have somebody who had the drive, ambition and commitment to work as hard as it takes to take the club forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite everything, the Kennedy brand still stands for idealism – for the ambition of the moon landing and the call to public service enshrined in one of his most popular programmes, the Peace Corps.

The Guardian

If Rupert Murdoch, Nigel Farage and a flip-flopping David Cameron succeed in that ambition, it will lead to the break-up of the UK with the remnants dependent on the US and our lives ruled by global corporations.

The Guardian

Voters roundly rejected that ambition, with the Kurdish vote in particular swinging the election against the incumbents on an unprecedented scale.

The Guardian

On ITV Tom Bradby provided charm, insight and a good array of guests, Adam Boulton was a commanding presence at the heart of Sky's programme – but they lack the ambition or sense of occasion the BBC brings and their secondary presenters offer charm, but less expertise.

The Guardian

But voters seem keen to reward it for its ambition alone.

The Guardian - Film

The upcoming spending review provides a renewed opportunity to develop this approach for more difficult and complex social issues, and to bring greater scale, ambition and capability to help the vast numbers of people who have fallen through the cracks of confusing and siloed public services.

The Guardian

Cameron says the coalition's ambition is to be the greenest government ever formed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambition" when you want to emphasize a strong desire for achievement, especially in areas like career, social status, or personal development. For example, "Her ambition drove her to excel in her studies".

Common error

Avoid framing "ambition" as a right or expectation. Instead, emphasize the hard work, dedication, and skills required to achieve ambitious goals.

Linguistic Context

The word "ambition" functions primarily as a noun, representing a strong desire or aspiration to achieve something. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the goal or driving force behind someone's actions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

14%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Film

5%

Music

4%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambition" is a noun that denotes a strong desire for achievement and success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. While it's a generally neutral term, it leans towards professional contexts. Alternatives such as "aspiration" or "drive" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. A key writing tip is to emphasize the work and dedication needed to realize "ambition", avoiding any implication of entitlement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiration

A more formal and often loftier term for a goal or desire.

drive

Emphasizes the internal motivation and energy behind pursuing a goal.

determination

Highlights the firmness and resolve in pursuing a goal despite obstacles.

goal

A specific, measurable outcome that one strives to achieve.

objective

A more formal and concrete term for a goal, often used in business or strategic contexts.

motivation

Focuses on the internal desire or willingness to do something.

purpose

Implies a strong sense of direction and meaning in one's pursuits.

eagerness

Highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation in pursuing a goal.

zeal

Implies passionate and intense enthusiasm.

longing

Expresses a deep and persistent desire, often for something unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "ambition" to describe a strong desire for achievement, like: "His ambition is to become a successful doctor." or "She showed great ambition in her career."

What is another word for "ambition"?

Alternatives for "ambition" include "aspiration", "drive", or "determination". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have an ambition to"?

Yes, it is correct to say "I have an ambition to". For example: "I have an ambition to travel the world."

What's the difference between "ambition" and "aspiration"?

"Ambition" generally refers to a strong desire for achievement and success, while "aspiration" often implies a nobler or more idealistic goal.