ambition for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition for success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's drive or desire to achieve success in various contexts, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or academic pursuits. Example: "Her ambition for success motivated her to work long hours and pursue every opportunity that came her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When she becomes the younger Ratna, before Lata was born, she embodies a selfish ambition for success in the dance that visibly undermines her aesthetic sensibility, leaving one pitying and fearing her at the same time.

The New York Times

Or are they the ones primarily responsible for ensuring that their children are properly looked after Ann GallagherBethesda, MarylandSIR – Only a man could fail to mention the real advantages that men have over women: an ambition for success, even at the cost of their own health; and a parasitic ability to utilise the domestic and child-care labour of their women without feeling guilt.

The Economist

Manager Keith Curle says progress has been made on his longer-term future at Carlisle United, with emphasis placed on a shared ambition for success.

BBC

The story of a powerful black woman with a driving ambition for success and stardom.

Huffington Post

Dylan's ambition for success sometimes conflicted with his political and artistic principles.

Huffington Post

His astrology chart shows him to be someone so driven to achieve his ambition for success and power that he would break any rules to accomplish his goals.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The club has high ambitions for success in Division 1, which was important for me".

BBC

I have come to believe that I need work that allows me to fulfill my personal ambitions for success and power, and even money, while at the same time also doing work that I'm emotionally connected to, that I really care about and I'm really proud of.

Forbes

Q: But didn't you have some ambitions for success?

Los Angeles Times

However, it's critical that those executives have "the right kind of ambition": ambition for the success of the company rather than the "wrong kind of ambition": ambition for the success of themselves.

TechCrunch

Evidently lacking either the confidence or the ambition for worldly success, however, Fairs never had a solo exhibition during his lifetime.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambition for success" to describe a driving internal force, rather than an external goal. For instance, describe a character's "ambition for success" pushing them to overcome obstacles.

Common error

Avoid portraying "ambition for success" as a sense of entitlement. Ambition should be coupled with hard work and dedication, not a belief that success is owed to someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition for success" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong desire and drive toward achieving favorable outcomes or goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambition for success" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a strong desire and drive to achieve goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from personal aspirations to organizational strategies. While not overly common, its presence in authoritative sources like the BBC, The New York Times, and Forbes solidifies its validity. To effectively use this phrase, emphasize its role as an internal motivator coupled with dedication, rather than a sense of entitlement. Alternatives like "drive for success" and "desire for achievement" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive for success

Emphasizes the motivational force behind achieving success.

desire for achievement

Focuses on the craving and intent to achieve something significant.

yearning for triumph

Highlights a deep longing and aspiration for victory and accomplishment.

quest for accomplishment

Presents success as a journey or pursuit of achievements.

pursuit of excellence

Shifts the focus to striving for the highest quality and standards.

longing for attainment

Underscores a strong desire to reach a desired level or status.

aspiration for victory

Highlights the ambition to win and achieve victory in a particular field or endeavor.

hunger for recognition

Emphasizes the ambition being tied to receiving acknowledgment and praise.

intent for prosperity

Focuses on aiming for a state of flourishing and wealth.

determination for advancement

Highlights resolve and ambition to move forward and climb in one's field.

FAQs

How can I use "ambition for success" in a sentence?

You can use "ambition for success" to describe someone's strong desire and drive to achieve their goals. For example, "Her "drive for success" motivated her to work tirelessly."

What is a good alternative to "ambition for success"?

Alternatives include "desire for achievement", "drive for success", or "yearning for triumph", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ambitious for success"?

While "ambition for success" is a noun phrase describing the desire itself, "ambitious for success" is an adjective phrase describing a person who possesses that desire. Both are grammatically correct, but they function differently in a sentence.

What's the difference between "ambition for success" and "desire for success"?

While similar, "ambition for success" often implies a more proactive and strategic approach, whereas "desire for success" might simply refer to a wish or longing. Ambition suggests a willingness to work hard and make sacrifices.