ambitious goals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambitious goals" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's aspirations or objectives that are challenging or require a lot of effort to achieve. Here is an example: "John has always been known for setting ambitious goals for himself, and this year, he is determined to climb Mount Everest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are ambitious goals.

The New York Times

Those are ambitious goals.

The New York Times

Uganda has ambitious goals.

The Guardian

They set ambitious goals.

Harvard Business Review

These are extremely ambitious goals.

The New Yorker

Al-Qaida have ambitious goals.

The Guardian

Pursuing ambitious goals came second to last.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To Marcus, ambitious goals are hardly new.

MIT Technology Review

Ken had ambitious goals for this meeting.

Harvard Business Review

They committed themselves to ambitious goals.

Harvard Business Review

"These are ambitious goals, but we know they're achievable goals".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting "ambitious goals", ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to increase the likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid setting "ambitious goals" that are completely detached from reality or available resources. While aiming high is beneficial, overly unrealistic goals can lead to demotivation and failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambitious goals" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "ambitious" modifies "goals". It describes the nature of the goals, indicating they are challenging and require significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambitious goals" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that describes objectives requiring significant effort and exceeding typical expectations. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples across diverse contexts including news, academia, and business. Related phrases such as "lofty goals" and "challenging objectives" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "ambitious goals", it is crucial to ensure they are specific and attainable to avoid demotivation. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing aspirations and motivating progress in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lofty goals

This alternative emphasizes the high-reaching and idealistic nature of the goals.

challenging objectives

This phrase highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the goals.

stretch targets

This term is often used in business contexts to describe goals that require significant effort and innovation to achieve.

audacious objectives

This alternative stresses the boldness and risk-taking involved in pursuing the goals.

far-reaching aims

This highlights the extensive impact and scope of the intended outcomes.

aspirational targets

This emphasizes that goals represent desires for future success or achievement.

grand designs

Suggests goals that are large in scale and ambitious in scope, often implying a degree of planning and complexity.

bold ambitions

This alternative underscores the courageous and daring nature of the desired outcomes.

major undertakings

This emphasizes the significant effort and resources required to achieve the goals.

aggressive targets

This term emphasizes the determination and intensity required to meet the goals.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "ambitious goals" into a performance review?

When discussing "ambitious goals" in a performance review, focus on the employee's efforts, progress, and any obstacles encountered. Recognize both achievements and learning experiences to foster growth.

What are some alternatives to saying "ambitious goals"?

You can use alternatives like "lofty goals", "challenging objectives", or "stretch targets" depending on the context.

How do "ambitious goals" differ from regular goals?

"Ambitious goals" are more challenging and require more effort and resources compared to regular goals. They often push individuals or organizations beyond their comfort zones to achieve significant growth or innovation.

Why is it important to set "ambitious goals"?

Setting "ambitious goals" can drive innovation, inspire greater effort, and lead to significant achievements that might not be possible with more conservative objectives. They foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.