devoid of ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of ambition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person, situation, or idea that does not have any goals or ambition. For example, "After two years in his job, he found himself feeling unmotivated and devoid of ambition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, critics seized upon the plan as devoid of "ambition".

The Guardian - Money

The average Waitrose shopper is devoid of ambition and rinsed of desire.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a blessed relief when the final guest Adele arrived and steered the conversation into more interesting territory and revealed herself to be seemingly devoid of ambition.

Independent

I wanted to say that we're still the same people, with the same skills and talents – don't assume we're all struck down with "baby brain", devoid of ambition and incapable of rational thought.

The Guardian

Any side that lines up with Emile Heskey in a four-man midfield is asking for trouble but McLeish's side were so devoid of ambition it was almost painful to watch.

The Guardian - Sport

But what it really needs is a consigliere-type figure, like the Tom Hagen character superbly played by Robert Duvall in the Godfather trilogy as go-between for the Corleone and Barzini crime families; someone who is a close and trusted confidant of both Cheika and Pulver, is devoid of ambition, has a deft, soft touch and is valued for giving disinterested advice.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This would give one the impression that he was free of ambition, devoid of vanity.

The New Yorker

Everyone who knows him says he is serene, kind, modest, austere and — apparently — devoid of personal ambition.

The New York Times

They share a deranged obsession with saccharine pop music and television melodramas, but are devoid of personal ambition, social ability or even self-awareness.

The New York Times - Books

These are stories of people living in a gray world devoid of all ambition and hope; Ushibeya no nioi (1916; "The Stench of the Stable") and Shisha seisha (1916; "The Dead and the Living") are similar works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whitcomb thinks that a person who is deeply depressed and totally devoid of any ambition for living well could nevertheless be wise.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as "devoid of ambition", consider providing context. Explain the reasons behind their lack of drive or the specific area where they lack ambition. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse a temporary period of low motivation with a permanent state of being "devoid of ambition". Passivity can be situational, while a complete lack of ambition suggests a more fundamental characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of ambition" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and describes a state of lacking aspiration or drive. It paints a picture of inactivity or indifference toward achieving goals, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of ambition" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a lack of aspiration or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples primarily drawn from news and media sources. While synonyms like "lacking ambition" or "unambitious" exist, the original phrase provides a distinct and nuanced way to express this concept. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure you accurately portray the individual's circumstances, avoiding misinterpretations of temporary passivity as a complete absence of drive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking ambition

Directly replaces "devoid of" with "lacking", maintaining the core meaning.

without ambition

Replaces "devoid of" with "without", a simpler but equally effective construction.

unambitious

Conveys the same meaning in a single adjective, simplifying the phrase.

lacking in drive

Shifts focus to "drive" as a synonym for ambition, altering the wording slightly.

without aspirations

Substitutes "aspirations" for "ambition", offering a slightly more formal tone.

not driven

Uses a passive construction to indicate a lack of inherent motivation.

content with mediocrity

Suggests a satisfaction with average performance, implying a lack of ambition.

settling for less

Implies a lack of ambition by suggesting acceptance of suboptimal outcomes.

apathetic

Describes a general lack of interest or enthusiasm, which can include a lack of ambition.

indifferent to success

Highlights a lack of concern for achieving success, implying a lack of ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of ambition" to describe a person, plan, or idea that lacks aspiration or drive. For example, "The project was "devoid of ambition" and unlikely to achieve any significant results".

What are some synonyms for "devoid of ambition"?

Some alternatives to "devoid of ambition" include "lacking ambition", "unambitious", and "without aspirations".

Is it better to say "devoid of ambition" or "lacking ambition"?

Both "devoid of ambition" and "lacking ambition" are grammatically correct. "Devoid of ambition" might sound slightly more formal, while "lacking ambition" is more common in everyday language.

What does it mean when someone is described as "devoid of ambition"?

When someone is described as "devoid of ambition", it means they lack any real goals or aspirations. They are not actively seeking to improve their situation or achieve anything significant.