ambition to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's desire or determination to achieve success in a particular area or endeavor. Example: "Her ambition to succeed in the competitive world of business drove her to work long hours and seek out mentorship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the crisis has raised questions about his ambition to succeed Mr Chirac as president.

The Economist

Mostly though, they ascribed these small vices to an ambition to succeed.

Independent

Murdoch had publicly said that she harbored "absolutely no ambition" to succeed her father.

The New Yorker

Libby possesses a genuine ambition to succeed in the literary world, and that desire is present on the page.

The New York Times

But he's trapped, or so it seems here, between his loyalty to President Reagan and his ambition to succeed him.

The New York Times

Whoopi Goldberg, 52, reveals that she had to sacrifice being a good parent because of her ambition to succeed.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

And, more importantly, what does it do to his ambitions to succeed David Cameron as Tory leader?

Independent

Outwardly espousing ambitions to succeed Ayatollah Sistani would be a breach of etiquette.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the crisis has raised questions about his ambitions to succeed Mr Chirac as president.

The Economist

The Special One's ambitions to succeed the Splenetic One at Old Trafford are looking distinctly threadbare.

Independent

Yazdi is also believed to have his own ambitions to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "ambition to succeed" to illustrate their proactive and determined nature. For instance: "Her ambition to succeed was evident in her meticulous planning and relentless work ethic."

Common error

Avoid portraying "ambition to succeed" as ruthlessness or disregard for ethical boundaries. Ensure it's depicted as a positive drive, not a justification for unethical behavior. For instance, clarify that someone's ambition doesn't excuse cutting corners or exploiting others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition to succeed" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong desire or aspiration to achieve a favorable outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambition to succeed" is a common and grammatically correct expression denoting a strong desire for achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources like news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, emphasizing motivation and intent. Related phrases include "desire to prosper" and "aspiration to excel". When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a positive drive rather than unethical behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiration to excel

Focuses on surpassing ordinary standards and achieving exceptional performance.

motivation to win

Directly focuses on the competitive aspect of achieving success.

desire to prosper

Emphasizes financial or material success more explicitly.

resolve to advance

Highlights a firm decision to move forward and progress.

determination to thrive

Highlights resilience and overcoming challenges to achieve success.

drive to flourish

Focuses on growth and thriving in a broader sense.

intent to fulfill goals

Highlights the purposeful and planned nature of pursuing success.

zeal to achieve

Emphasizes enthusiasm and passion in the pursuit of goals.

eagerness to accomplish

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and anticipation in completing tasks successfully.

yearning to triumph

Conveys a strong emotional longing for victory.

FAQs

How can I use "ambition to succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "ambition to succeed" to describe someone's strong desire and determination to achieve their goals. For example, "His ambition to succeed in the competitive tech industry drove him to constantly innovate and learn new skills."

What are some alternatives to "ambition to succeed"?

You can use alternatives like "desire to prosper", "aspiration to excel", or "drive to flourish" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "ambition to succeed" or "ambitions to succeed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "ambition to succeed" refers to a general desire for success, while "ambitions to succeed" implies multiple specific goals or areas in which someone wants to achieve success.

What's the difference between "ambition to succeed" and "determination to succeed"?

"Ambition to succeed" emphasizes the initial desire and goals, while "determination to thrive" focuses on the perseverance and effort required to overcome obstacles and achieve those goals.