ambitious target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambitious target" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe a goal that is difficult to achieve but worth striving for. For example, "The company set an ambitious target to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% in five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IT WAS not a very ambitious target.

The Economist

This is an ambitious target, but possible.

The Guardian

Even for them, though, Detroit is an ambitious target.

The Guardian

The ambitious target for 2013 is 20,000 cars.

The New York Times

It is an ambitious target, given the political, economic and environmental hazards surrounding the issue.

The New York Times

That's an ambitious target; excessive noise seems built into New York.

The New York Times

Initially my most ambitious target had been to sell a thousand copies.

The Guardian - Books

Their early ambitious target empowered the energy team to make this innovative project happen.

The Guardian

"Every world leader who commits to ambitious target will get to 42% proof.

The Guardian

However, turning an ambitious target into practical action is proving elusive.

The Guardian

You can track this year's progress towards Oxfam's ambitious target via the charity's books "totaliser".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the resources, strategies, and timelines associated with achieving an "ambitious target" to provide a roadmap for stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid setting an "ambitious target" that is completely detached from reality. While aiming high is commendable, a target that is impossible to achieve can lead to demotivation and wasted resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambitious target" functions as a noun phrase, where "ambitious" modifies the noun "target". It describes a specific objective that is challenging and requires significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambitious target" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a challenging but attainable goal. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase, primarily employed in news, scientific, and business contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of aspiration and significant effort required to achieve the specified objective. While setting an "ambitious target" can be motivating, it's crucial to ensure it remains grounded in reality to avoid demotivation and wasted resources. Related phrases like "challenging objective" or "stretch goal" offer alternative ways to express a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious objective

Simply replaces "target" with "objective", offering a direct synonym.

aspirational goal

Highlights the aspirational aspect of the goal, emphasizing its potential for positive change.

stretch goal

Employs the term "stretch goal", a common business phrase for an ambitious objective.

challenging objective

Replaces "ambitious" with "challenging" and "target" with "objective", focusing on the difficulty involved.

demanding goal

Substitutes "ambitious" with "demanding", highlighting the high expectations associated with the goal.

aggressive objective

Replaces "ambitious" with "aggressive", suggesting a forceful approach to achieving the objective.

lofty aim

Uses "lofty" instead of "ambitious" to emphasize the high-reaching nature of the aim.

audacious plan

Substitutes "ambitious" with "audacious" and "target" with "plan", indicating boldness and risk-taking.

far-reaching target

Replaces "ambitious" with "far-reaching", emphasizing the broad scope and impact of the target.

formidable challenge

Uses "formidable" instead of "ambitious" and "challenge" instead of "target", focusing on the difficulty and intimidation factor.

FAQs

How can I use "ambitious target" in a sentence?

You can use "ambitious target" to describe a challenging but worthwhile goal. For example, "The company set an "ambitious target" to reduce its carbon footprint by 50%."

What are some alternatives to "ambitious target"?

Some alternatives include "challenging objective", "demanding goal", or "stretch goal". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to set an "ambitious target" or a realistic one?

It depends on the situation. An "ambitious target" can inspire greater effort and innovation, while a realistic target may be more achievable and sustainable. A balance is often ideal.

What makes a target "ambitious"?

A target is "ambitious" if it requires significant effort, resources, and innovation to achieve. It typically stretches beyond the current capabilities and comfort zone of the individual or organization setting it.