ambitions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambitions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to strong desires or goals that someone aims to achieve, often in a professional or personal context. Example: "Her ambitions to become a successful entrepreneur drove her to work long hours and seek out new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clarke called on pro-Europeans to make the case for the EU more effectively as he called for the fulfilment of Margaret Thatcher's two key European ambitions – completing the single market and expanding the EU by admitting Turkey.

The Guardian

These ambitions often generate friction with its neighbours, especially Tajikistan.

The Guardian

The summit logo reflected those ambitions, depicting a new dawn breaking and the three words: stability, growth, jobs.

The Guardian

The moderate conservative, frequently tipped by Republican insiders as vice-presidential material, made his ambitions for the top job clear with trips to the early primary states of New Hampshire and South Carolina on Saturday, followed by an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

The Guardian

Russian expansionist ambitions could quickly become "an obvious existential threat to our whole being", the most senior British military officer in Nato has said in a strongly worded speech.

The Guardian

A diplomatic response but one which reflects his mindset; for all Liverani's history, immediate ambitions at Brisbane Road are clearly dominating his thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

During her caliper readjustment Sharadamma looks at Ranoo, smiles and says 'I want to be like you when I'm older.' Ranoo smiles back faintly, knowing that despite all the work she has done, without major changes in government policy and society, Sharadamma will struggle to realise her ambitions.

The Guardian

Juventus had laboured to snuff out the threat posed by AS Monaco for over an hour, their own attacking ambitions severely limited in response, but they were not wounded when at their most vulnerable and ultimately eased through the last quarter with the authority of a side who would not be beaten.

The Guardian - Sport

Specifically, fear of media tycoons who used to boast that some of their newspapers had "won" elections and had left the prime ministerial ambitions of party leaders in ruins.

The Guardian

The record producer noted that López appeared to be backing his ambitions with an aggressive string of promotional narcocorridos with lyrics that are becoming increasingly bellicose.

The Guardian

Of course, with his ambition, he tweaked the format and set up his own properties, X Factor and Got Talent; they became the conveyor belts to his movie ambitions.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambitions" when referring to long-term goals or strong desires for achievement. Ensure the context aligns with the serious and aspirational nature of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "ambitions" for trivial or short-term objectives. It's more appropriate for significant, life-altering goals rather than daily tasks.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ambitions" is as a noun, typically used in the plural form. Ludwig's examples show it often serves as the object of verbs like 'have', 'fulfill', 'declare', or as a descriptor of someone's overall goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambitions" is a commonly used noun referring to strong desires or goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and highly prevalent across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "ambitions", remember that it is more appropriate for substantial, long-term goals rather than everyday objectives. Alternatives like "aspirations", "goals", and "dreams" can be used depending on the specific context. Overall, "ambitions" effectively conveys a sense of purpose and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspirations

Focuses more on the hopes and desires, often implying a spiritual or moral dimension.

goals

Emphasizes specific targets or objectives that one aims to achieve.

dreams

Highlights imaginative and idealized visions of the future.

intentions

Refers to a planned course of action or purpose.

yearnings

Implies a deep longing or desire, often unfulfilled.

longings

Similar to yearnings, but can also suggest a sense of nostalgia or loss.

visions

Highlights forward-thinking and strategic planning.

aims

Suggests a focused and directed effort towards a specific purpose.

pretensions

Can imply an unrealistic or exaggerated sense of one's capabilities.

purposes

Stresses the reasons or objectives behind actions or plans.

FAQs

How to use "ambitions" in a sentence?

"Ambitions" is a noun typically used to describe strong desires or goals. For example: "Her ambitions to become a doctor drove her to study hard".

What can I say instead of "ambitions"?

You can use alternatives like "aspirations", "goals", or "dreams" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ambitions" or "goals"?

Both "ambitions" and "goals" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Ambitions" often implies grander, more long-term objectives, while "goals" can refer to shorter-term, more specific targets.

What's the difference between "ambitions" and "pretensions"?

"Ambitions" refer to genuine aspirations for achievement, while "pretensions" suggest an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of one's capabilities. "Pretensions" often carry a negative connotation.