fierce ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fierce ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense desire to achieve success or goals, often in a competitive context. Example: "Her fierce ambition drove her to work long hours and pursue every opportunity for advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Was he driven by puritanical zeal, fierce ambition or both?

The New York Times - Books

His steady rise did nothing to satisfy his fierce ambition.

The New York Times - Books

Still, "a fierce ambition burned in me," he wrote.

The New York Times

Richard Epstein, another professor at the school, remembers something else about Ms. Kagan: a fierce ambition.

The New York Times

An engaging character does not disguise the fierce ambition that burns in Barkley, however.

The Guardian - Sport

The unassuming dentist is deeply competitive, his easygoing nature belying a fierce ambition.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Five years earlier, Mr. Neeleman, an affable Utahan with fierce ambitions, had sold a low-cost domestic airline he helped found, Morris Air, for $130 million.

The New York Times

We should know from observing Hillary Clinton that a woman who has her own fierce ambitions cannot easily give up her personality to a subservient role.

The New York Times

They might have unfathomable riches, fierce ambitions and some high reputations, but so do teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and, for a second successive season, the French champions had the personnel to reach the quarter-finals to a celebratory chorus of La Marseillaise from the away end.

The Guardian - Sport

Martha was the soldier, the tiger, with her own books and fierce ambitions.

Huffington Post

Overall, Aronofsky has nailed astonishingly well the ballet world's isolation from the larger community, fierce ambitions, and physical demands bordering on masochism.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fierce ambition" to describe characters or individuals who display a strong and unwavering commitment to their goals. It effectively conveys intensity and determination.

Common error

Be careful not to use "fierce ambition" when describing actions that are unethical or harmful. While ambition can be strong, it should not excuse or justify negative behavior. Consider alternative phrasings if the ambition leads to questionable actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce ambition" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "fierce" modifies the noun "ambition". According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

14%

Books

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

6%

BBC

4%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fierce ambition" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a strong and intense desire for success. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media sources, as well as in sports and book contexts. While it conveys a powerful drive, it's important to consider the ethical implications of such ambition and to ensure that it doesn't excuse harmful behavior. Related phrases like "intense ambition" and "relentless drive" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense ambition

Emphasizes the strength and degree of ambition.

unbridled ambition

Highlights the lack of restraint or control in the ambition.

burning ambition

Suggests a passionate and consuming desire.

relentless drive

Focuses on the persistent and determined effort to achieve goals.

unyielding determination

Highlights steadfastness and refusal to give up.

insatiable hunger for success

Emphasizes a never-ending desire to achieve accomplishments.

overweening ambition

Suggests excessive pride and confidence, potentially leading to downfall.

ruthless pursuit

Implies a willingness to do whatever it takes to reach one's goals.

powerful aspiration

Highlights the strength and significance of the desired outcome.

driving force

Implies that ambition is a fundamental element that strongly influence the actions.

FAQs

How can I use "fierce ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "fierce ambition" to describe someone's strong desire to achieve their goals, for example: "Driven by "fierce ambition", she worked tirelessly to succeed in her career."

What are some alternatives to "fierce ambition"?

Alternatives include "intense ambition", "burning ambition", or "relentless drive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has "fierce ambitious" plans?

While "fierce" can modify "ambition", it's grammatically more common to use it to describe the ambition itself. Therefore, saying someone has ""fierce ambition"" is generally preferred over "fierce ambitious" plans, consider using "highly ambitious" or "extremely ambitious" plans instead.

What's the difference between "fierce ambition" and "ruthless ambition"?

"Fierce ambition" implies a strong, unwavering desire to succeed, while "ruthless ambition" suggests a willingness to do anything, even at the expense of others, to achieve one's goals.