ambitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ambitious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is eager to achieve success and have lofty goals. For example: My brother is an ambitious young entrepreneur who hopes to one day own his own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He just hasn't got the leadership or influence to craft a more ambitious proposal.

The Guardian

But what does it all mean as Europe gently frazzles and David Goodhart, ex-editor of Prospect, now director of the Demos thinktank, pens an ambitious FT article (paywall) promoting a new settlement for British politics, what he calls "post-liberalism"?

The Guardian

Lord knows how all this may be abused by future governments which in terms of numbers may be rather more ambitious than yours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Salmond, who took to the stage at the Glasgow Science Centre on the south side of the Clyde with his trusted deputy Sturgeon, deployed ambitious – though rather less bloodthirsty – language.

The Guardian

This is big talk, ambitious stuff, setting the bar high.

The Guardian - Opinion

The play – based on the story of the chemist Clara Immerwahr, who killed herself after the poison gas invented by her husband, Fritz Haber, was used for mass murder in the first world war – is the most ambitious yet by a director famous for daring productions.

The Guardian

The centres, proposed by the EU in cooperation with Niger, "should be an opportunity to bring ambitious development policies for migrants and for states", said Bernard Cazeneuve, who was in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, for talks with the president.

The Guardian

But the increasing school rolls have not been matched with resources, despite ambitious government targets to cut the ratios of pupils to teachers, desks and books.

The Guardian

This is a highly ambitious target and most psephologists believe that Sinn Fein will probably see its share of vote increase, putting the party in a strong position to overtake the SDLP at the election after this.

The Guardian

I would describe it as transformational because it provided an insight into the reality of what it means to be a young, ambitious, highly intelligent, sometimes single black woman in contemporary America.

The Guardian - Books

Next, he took on healthcare – with some of the worst infant mortality rates in the world, Sierra Leone's programme to abolish user fees for children under five and pregnant mothers was an ambitious and impressive programme of reform.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambitious" to convey a positive attribute, focusing on the drive and determination rather than potential negative connotations like ruthlessness.

Common error

Avoid using "ambitious" as a standalone descriptor. Provide context to showcase the specific goals and efforts that define the ambition.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "ambitious" primarily functions as an attributive adjective, modifying nouns to describe a person, plan, or goal characterized by a strong desire for success or achievement. Ludwig AI highlights its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "ambitious" is a versatile term used to describe a strong desire for success or achievement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While generally positive, it's important to provide context when using "ambitious" and to consider alternatives like "driven" or "aspiring" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations and ensure that ambition is supported by concrete examples. The high frequency and authoritative sources further validate its consistent and appropriate use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driven

Emphasizes the internal motivation and energy behind pursuing goals.

aspiring

Highlights the desire to reach a higher level or achieve something significant.

enterprising

Focuses on the initiative and resourcefulness in pursuing opportunities.

motivated

Highlights a strong internal desire to achieve something.

determined

Stresses the firmness of purpose and resolve in achieving goals.

goal-oriented

Directly describes a focus on achieving specific targets or objectives.

purposeful

Highlights having a clear aim and intention.

eager

Implies enthusiasm and keenness to achieve something.

pushy

Suggests an aggressive and assertive approach to achieving goals.

overreaching

Indicates attempting to achieve more than is realistic or appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "ambitious" in a sentence?

You can use "ambitious" to describe someone who has a strong desire to succeed, such as "She is an ambitious student who wants to become a doctor". It can also describe a project or plan that requires significant effort and resources.

What can I say instead of "ambitious"?

You can use alternatives like "driven", "aspiring", or "motivated" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ambitious" and "enterprising"?

"Ambitious" generally refers to having a strong desire for success, while "enterprising" specifically describes someone who is resourceful and innovative in pursuing opportunities.

Is it always positive to be described as "ambitious"?

While generally positive, being described as "ambitious" can sometimes imply being overly aggressive or ruthless in pursuing goals. Consider the context and whether alternatives like "determined" or "goal-oriented" might be more appropriate.