inordinate ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or unrestrained desire for success, power, or achievement. Example: "His inordinate ambition often led him to make unethical decisions in pursuit of his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In between he found salvation in denial, fabrication and an inordinate ambition to be a great painter.

The New York Times - Books

There is now an atmosphere of inordinate ambition to boost the bottom line and forget the consequences".

The Guardian

In 2004, Elizabeth Longford wrote that Conroy "was not the arch-villain Victoria painted, but the victim of his own inordinate ambition".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Georgia and Chechnya were hostage to his inordinate ambitions, and the tragic loss of life and the human rights abuses have gained Putin little but international disrepute.

Huffington Post

Charles, whose inordinate Mediterranean ambitions had little in common with the traditional Crusade, secretly persuaded the new expedition to divert to Tunis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But an inordinate amount of time is devoted to film clips of African and Caribbean dance and culture in a documentary of these ambitions.

The New York Times

"AN INORDINATE fondness for beetles".

The Economist

It's an inordinate form".

Independent

The inordinate delays impose heavy tolls.

The New York Times

Were they under inordinate stress?

The New York Times

Teams concentrate inordinate attention on him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inordinate ambition" to describe a character's overwhelming desire for success or power, often to the point of being detrimental to themselves or others.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "inordinate" for "inert". "Inordinate" refers to an excessive degree, while "inert" means lacking the ability or strength to move. Using the wrong word can drastically alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate ambition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "inordinate" modifies the noun "ambition". It describes the quality or degree of ambition. As Ludwig AI points out, this adjective suggests that the ambition is excessive or beyond normal bounds.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate ambition" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, describing an excessive or unrestrained desire for achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "inordinate ambition" is not exceedingly common, it is found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The analysis indicates that "inordinate ambition" functions as a noun phrase, used to evaluate the degree of ambition, often with negative connotations. Alternatives such as "excessive ambition" or "unrestrained ambition" can be used to convey similar meanings. Be mindful to avoid confusing "inordinate" with other words like "inert".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive ambition

Replaces "inordinate" with a more common synonym, maintaining the core meaning of ambition beyond a reasonable level.

immoderate ambition

Similar to "excessive ambition", but with a slightly more formal tone.

unrestrained ambition

Indicates ambition that is not controlled or limited, suggesting a lack of moderation.

boundless ambition

Highlights the limitless nature of the ambition, emphasizing its vast scope.

overweening ambition

Suggests an ambition that is excessive and presumptuous, often implying arrogance.

limitless aspiration

Uses "aspiration" as a synonym for ambition, emphasizing the boundless nature of the desire.

insatiable ambition

Focuses on the inability to satisfy the ambition, portraying it as a never-ending hunger for success.

extreme drive

Focuses on the intensity of the motivation, rather than the scope of the ambition.

rampant aspiration

Implies that the aspiration is growing out of control and negatively.

intense desire for power

Shifts the focus to the specific goal of the ambition: gaining power.

FAQs

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

You can use "inordinate ambition" to describe someone who has an excessive or unrestrained desire for success. For example: "His inordinate ambition drove him to make unethical decisions."

What's a good alternative to "inordinate ambition"?

Alternatives include "excessive ambition", "unrestrained ambition", or "overweening ambition" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "inordinate ambition" a positive or negative trait?

It depends on the context. While ambition is generally seen as positive, "inordinate ambition" often suggests that the ambition is excessive and potentially harmful or unethical.

What is the difference between "ambition" and "inordinate ambition"?

"Ambition" is simply a desire for success or achievement. "Inordinate ambition" implies that this desire is excessive, unreasonable, or out of proportion.