driven by ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven by ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is motivated or propelled by their desire to achieve success or reach their goals. Example: "Her success in the competitive industry is largely due to her being driven by ambition and a strong work ethic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was driven by ambition.

The New Yorker

"But actually, creativity and hard work is driven by ambition.

The Guardian - Tech

But Mr. Forbes said the partnership with Elevation was driven by ambition, not financial weakness.

The New York Times

Over time, Mr. Sankoh, who is in his 60's, seemed driven by ambition for power.

The New York Times

Nor is he driven by ambition and head-turning flattery like Javid, who had the job before him.

The Guardian

Both were driven by ambition to win fame by grabbing one of the few remaining unclaimed geographic prizes.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even the Federal Reserve Chairman conceded that invading Iraq was driven by ambitions to capture middle east oil resources.

Huffington Post

He vowed to build an "aspiration nation" driven by individual ambition - the "doers, the risk-takers".

BBC

He is not driven by materialist ambition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Blood on the carpet after boardroom coups – often driven by personal ambition rather than shareholder value?

The Guardian - Business

But several associates described him as a man driven by boundless ambition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse by varying your language; consider alternatives like "motivated by a desire for success" for stylistic variation.

Common error

Be cautious about attributing every action solely to ambition. While ambition can be a strong motivator, individuals are often influenced by a combination of factors, such as personal values, relationships, and external pressures. Avoid portraying characters as simplistically "driven by ambition" without acknowledging other nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by ambition" functions as a descriptor, often used to characterize individuals, actions, or decisions. It signifies that a strong desire for success and achievement is the primary motivating force. Ludwig showcases various examples where this phrase is used to explain the underlying motives of characters or historical events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "driven by ambition" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone strongly motivated by their desire for success. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, offering various examples across news, encyclopedias, and other media. While the phrase itself is neutral, be mindful of the context as excessive ambition can carry negative connotations. Alternatives like "motivated by" or "propelled by ambition" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific goals that fuel this ambition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by ambition

Replaces "driven" with "motivated", focusing on internal impetus.

propelled by ambition

Substitutes "driven" with "propelled", suggesting a strong forward momentum.

fueled by ambition

Replaces "driven" with "fueled", highlighting ambition as a source of energy.

inspired by ambition

Changes "driven" to "inspired", implying ambition as a source of creativity and vision.

characterized by ambition

Shifts the focus to describing a quality rather than a force.

marked by ambition

Similar to "characterized by ambition", highlighting ambition as a prominent attribute.

ambition is the driving force

Reformulates the phrase to emphasize ambition as the primary motivator.

pursuing ambition

Emphasizes the active pursuit of ambitious goals.

motivated to achieve

Focuses on the outcome of ambition: achieving goals.

determined to succeed

Highlights the determination and resolve associated with ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "driven by ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "driven by ambition" to describe someone whose actions and decisions are strongly influenced by their desire to achieve success or reach their goals. For instance, "He was "driven by ambition" to become a successful entrepreneur".

What are some alternatives to "driven by ambition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "motivated by ambition", "propelled by ambition", or "fueled by ambition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to be "driven by ambition" or "led by passion"?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the individual and the situation. "Driven by ambition" suggests a focus on achieving external goals and recognition, while "led by passion" implies pursuing activities that one genuinely enjoys and finds fulfilling. Both can lead to success, but with different approaches and outcomes.

Can "driven by ambition" have negative connotations?

Yes, if the ambition is portrayed as excessive or ruthless. It can suggest that someone is willing to compromise their values or exploit others to achieve their goals. Using phrases like "blind ambition" or "unscrupulous ambition" can further emphasize these negative aspects.