lofty aspiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty aspiration" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an ambition or goal that is difficult to achieve. For example, you could say: "John had a lofty aspiration to become a successful entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That lofty aspiration is emblazoned in the World Bank's Washington headquarters.

The Economist

That would be a lofty aspiration for a team in the bottom quartile of major league and National League payrolls.

The New York Times

I have never seen a school in Britain, state or independent, with such a high focus on development of character and lofty aspiration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through the majesty of the eagle and the quiet rebellion of the mole, the image conveys the combination of lofty aspiration and humble diligence that poetry demands.

The Guardian - Books

A literature teacher at the academy deals with the imaginative forces of lofty aspiration and earthly truth-telling in an especially germane, intensified community — all the more so in a time of war.

The New York Times - Books

KRISTIANSTAD, Sweden -- When this city vowed a decade ago to wean itself from fossil fuels, it was a lofty aspiration, like zero deaths from traffic accidents or the elimination of childhood obesity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the hunters had lofty aspirations.

The New York Times

It was no secret that Ms. Kagan had lofty aspirations.

The New York Times

Even in go-go China, such lofty aspirations may sound far-fetched.

The New York Times

The slip might have betrayed Walsh's lofty aspirations for this demoralized franchise.

The New York Times

Given the school's limited endowment and lofty aspirations, resources could not be distributed evenly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational mission statements or long-term objectives, "lofty aspiration" is particularly useful.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty aspiration" in everyday conversations or casual writing. Its formal tone is better suited for more serious or elevated discussions. Consider simpler terms like "ambition" or "goal" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Lofty aspiration functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an ambition or goal, emphasizing its ambitious and often idealistic nature. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty aspiration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe ambitious and idealistic goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like news, academia, and business. While alternatives like "ambitious goal" and "noble aim" exist, "lofty aspiration" uniquely conveys both ambition and moral elevation. When writing, use it to inspire but avoid overuse in casual settings. This phrase reflects goals worth striving for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lofty ambition

Synonymous, but focuses on the ambition more than the aspiration.

ambitious goal

Focuses on the ambitious nature of the goal, omitting the sense of elevation or idealism.

noble aim

Emphasizes the moral high ground and the praiseworthiness of the objective.

grand ambition

Highlights the scale and scope of the ambition, suggesting something very large and impressive.

high ideal

Concentrates on the idealistic aspect, portraying it as a guiding principle.

exalted goal

Suggests the goal is elevated in status or importance, more formal in tone.

ambitious plan

Implies a structured approach to achieving the goal; less about the ideal itself.

grand design

Suggests an overarching, strategic goal, usually involving multiple steps or components.

sky-high goal

Uses a more informal and figurative way to describe an extremely ambitious goal.

ultimate objective

Stresses that the goal is the final and most important one.

FAQs

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

Use "lofty aspiration" to describe goals that are not only ambitious but also morally commendable or idealistic. For example: "Her "lofty aspiration" is to eradicate poverty in her community.".

What are some alternatives to "lofty aspiration"?

You can use alternatives like "ambitious goal", "noble aim", or "grand ambition depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "lofty aspiration" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "lofty aspiration" is generally considered formal. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "big dream" or "high aim" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "lofty aspiration" and "high expectation"?

"Lofty aspiration" refers to an ambitious goal, while "high expectation" refers to a belief that something will happen or be achieved. The former is about striving for something, while the latter is about anticipating a result.