intense ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and passionate desire to achieve something significant or to succeed in a particular area. Example: "Her intense ambition drove her to work late into the night, determined to finish her novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But art, not life style, fired her intense ambition.

The New Yorker

Despite intense ambition and efforts to ingratiate himself, Moynihan never penetrated the Kennedy inner circle.

The New York Times - Magazine

Critics and cartoonists mocked the intense ambition of the architects Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch - and Antoni Gaudí.

The Guardian - Arts

As a 24-year-old he is ashamed of his intense ambition, which he fears makes him ludicrous.

The Guardian - Books

As a 24-year-old he is ashamed of his intense ambition, which he fears makes him ludicrous.

The Guardian - Books

The response of most Labour MPs in 1997 was to be genuinely loyal to the leadership and for that enthusiasm to be combined with intense ambition to become ministers.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

One of his most intense ambitions, though, is to finally see a suicide barrier erected on the Golden Gate.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Mr. Bush sees it, the vice president is an engineered man, not an authentic one, with an unnatural upbringing and unnaturally intense ambitions.

The New York Times

It would not be a bad thing if that party's first cost-cutting exercise was to stop funding an organisation that has come to represent the toxic juncture at which intense personal ambition and government propaganda meet.

The Guardian - Opinion

And again I could see how, in some contexts, those qualities could seem to represent integrity and commitment to principle and in others mere rigidity and self-involvement.... Mentions his intense personal ambition... To ask what he hopes to get by identifying at this late date with his father's politics is to assume, quite possibly mistakenly, that he ever had a choice.

The New Yorker

In the West, Kornfield says, "we encounter a lot of intense, striving ambition, and a lot of self-criticism, self-judgment and self-hatred". Concerned, he initially turned to the Dalai Lama for advice, but self-hatred was such a foreign concept to the Tibetan Buddhist that he wasn't able to offer any real insight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense ambition" to describe individuals or groups with a particularly strong and focused drive to achieve their goals. It effectively conveys a high degree of motivation and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "intense ambition" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler phrases like "strong desire" or "eagerness" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense ambition" functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "ambition". According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a strong desire to achieve something. It commonly acts as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intense ambition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a strong and focused desire for achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, implying a neutral to professional register. When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase in appropriate contexts and consider alternative expressions like "fierce determination" or "strong drive" for varied impact. The provided examples showcase its common usage across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce determination

Highlights the resolute and forceful aspect of pursuing ambitions.

fervent aspiration

Replaces "ambition" with "aspiration", highlighting a strong desire, and "intense" with "fervent", indicating passion.

passionate pursuit of goals

Highlights the active and dedicated effort towards achieving objectives.

burning desire for success

Replaces "ambition" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the longing for achievement, and "intense" with "burning", suggesting a powerful feeling.

relentless quest for advancement

Underscores the persistent and determined nature of seeking progress.

powerful yearning for achievement

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of wanting to accomplish something great.

unwavering commitment to triumph

Emphasizes the steadfast dedication and resolve to achieve victory.

strong drive

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of a powerful motivation.

extreme eagerness to excel

Focuses on the enthusiasm and determination to perform exceptionally well.

deep-seated hunger for recognition

Focuses on the underlying need for acknowledgement and validation.

FAQs

What does "intense ambition" mean?

"Intense ambition" refers to a very strong and focused desire to achieve something, often involving significant effort and determination.

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

You can use "intense ambition" to describe a person's strong desire for success. For example: "Her "intense ambition" drove her to work tirelessly."

What are some synonyms for "intense ambition"?

Alternatives include "fervent aspiration", "strong drive", or "fierce determination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intense ambition" in formal writing?

Yes, "intense ambition" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a strong and determined pursuit of goals. It's often found in news articles and biographies.