dormant aspiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dormant aspiration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a desire or ambition that is currently inactive or unexpressed but has the potential to be awakened or pursued in the future. Example: "Despite her current job, she has a dormant aspiration to become a novelist one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give me a slightly chill wind and the merest aspiration of auburn leaves and the dormant dandy within me returns gleefully.

The Guardian - Opinion

Across the Arab world, aspirations are stirring which have lain dormant.

Independent

Turkey's aspirations to join the European Union are all but dormant.

The New York Times

The issue lies dormant.

The New Yorker

They were comfortably dormant.

The New York Times

Many sit dormant.

The New Yorker

Low aspiration begets low aspiration.

The Economist

The dormant lumps sprouted back.

The New York Times - Magazine

The effort went dormant.

The New York Times

They go dormant.

The New York Times - Food

They certainly seem dormant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "dormant aspiration" with contextual details to specify the area of life (career, personal, creative) where this aspiration lies, offering a more nuanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "dormant aspiration" too broadly. Ensure that the context clearly indicates a specific ambition that is temporarily inactive, rather than a general lack of motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dormant aspiration" functions as a noun phrase, where "dormant" modifies the noun "aspiration". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing an ambition that is currently inactive. It serves to qualify the type of aspiration being discussed.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dormant aspiration" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ambition that is currently inactive but retains the potential to be pursued in the future. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is currently rare in usage, as evidenced by the limited number of examples. Related phrases include "latent ambition" and "untapped potential", which offer similar nuances. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid overgeneralization, ensuring that the specific nature of the ambition is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latent ambition

Emphasizes the hidden or potential nature of the ambition, rather than its inactivity.

untapped potential

Focuses on the undeveloped capabilities that could lead to future aspirations.

sleeping desire

Uses a more figurative term to describe the inactive state of the desire.

unawakened ambition

Highlights the idea that the ambition has not yet been triggered or realized.

potential aspiration

Simply states that the aspiration is possible but not yet active.

inactive ambition

Directly describes the ambition as being not currently pursued.

unfulfilled dream

Focuses on the lack of achievement of the dream or goal.

suppressed ambition

Suggests that the ambition is being held back or restrained.

unexpressed desire

Highlights the fact that the desire is not being communicated or acted upon.

veiled aspiration

Suggests the aspiration is hidden or not openly acknowledged.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dormant aspiration" in a sentence?

Use "dormant aspiration" to describe a specific ambition or goal that someone possesses but is not currently pursuing due to circumstances or priorities. For example, "Despite her current job, she has a dormant aspiration to become a novelist one day."

What are some alternatives to "dormant aspiration" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "latent ambition", "untapped potential", or "sleeping desire" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a dormant aspiration" or should I use another article?

Using the article "a" before "dormant aspiration" is grammatically correct, as "aspiration" is a countable noun in this context. You could also use "the" if you are referring to a specific aspiration already mentioned.

What is the difference between "dormant aspiration" and "unfulfilled dream"?

"Dormant aspiration" suggests an ambition that is currently inactive but still possible, while "unfulfilled dream" implies a desire that has not yet been realized and may be less likely to occur. A "dormant aspiration" could be reawakened, while an "unfulfilled dream" might be something that is fading or has been given up on.