long-held ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

"long-held ambition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a strong desire or goal that someone has had for a long time. Example: "Becoming a doctor was John's long-held ambition, and after years of hard work and dedication, he finally achieved it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Anwar will then face an anxious wait for a verdict that could prevent him from running in elections widely expected to be held next year and realizing his long-held ambition to become prime minister.

The New York Times

He arrived in Dallas in late September, realising a long-held ambition to join relatives.

Independent

And then Searle accomplished a long-held ambition, to work for the New Yorker.

The Guardian - Books

An island-based team in the NTFL was a long-held ambition.

The Guardian

Finally fulfilling her long-held ambition to write about international development issues.

The Guardian

This spring, I succeeded in a long-held ambition: to watch right whales from the shore.

The Guardian

Reviving a long-held ambition, he formed an independent production company, Lichtenstein Creative Media.

The New York Times - Arts

Playing there for the first time recently was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

The Guardian - Music

Trump gives Thiel something far more valuable: a way to fulfill his long-held ambition of saving capitalism from democracy.

The Guardian - Tech

His cabinet elevation was entirely unexpected, not least by him, said friends, and fulfilled a long-held ambition.

The Guardian

However, Coe has a long-held ambition to win the presidency of the IAAF, the governing body for athletics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-held ambition" to add depth and significance when describing someone's persistent goals. It indicates dedication and a sustained commitment over time.

Common error

While "long-held ambition" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it repetitively within the same text. Vary your language with synonyms like "lifelong quest" or "enduring aspiration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-held ambition" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-held" modifies the noun "ambition". It describes a specific type of ambition characterized by its duration and persistence. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in describing professional goals, personal aspirations, and political objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long-held ambition" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a goal or desire someone has maintained for a significant period. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility across different contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, conveying dedication and commitment. When writing, remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "lifelong quest" or ""cherished dream"" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longstanding goal

Replaces "ambition" with "goal", focusing on the target one aims to achieve.

cherished dream

Substitutes "ambition" with "dream", emphasizing the emotional value and personal significance.

enduring aspiration

Replaces "long-held" with "enduring" and "ambition" with "aspiration", highlighting the lasting nature of the desire.

deep-seated desire

Uses "deep-seated" instead of "long-held" and "desire" instead of "ambition" to convey a strong, profound longing.

perennial aim

Employs "perennial" and "aim" to suggest a goal that recurs or lasts for an extended time.

long-pursued objective

Focuses on the act of striving for something over a long period by using "long-pursued objective".

lifelong quest

Replaces "ambition" with "quest", intensifying the sense of a dedicated and extended pursuit.

long-term vision

Shifts the focus to a future outlook that someone has maintained for a long time with "long-term vision".

abiding passion

Highlights the emotional intensity and persistence of the ambition with "abiding passion".

time-honored hope

Uses "time-honored hope" to give the ambition a sense of tradition and enduring value.

FAQs

How can I use "long-held ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "long-held ambition" to describe a goal someone has had for many years. For example: "Becoming a doctor was her "long-held ambition", driving her through medical school."

What's a good alternative to "long-held ambition"?

Alternatives include "longstanding goal", "cherished dream", or "enduring aspiration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "long-held ambition" or "lifelong ambition"?

Both "long-held ambition" and "lifelong ambition" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Lifelong ambition" emphasizes the duration spanning a lifetime, while "long-held ambition" simply suggests a substantial period.

What's the difference between a "long-held ambition" and a "passing interest"?

A "long-held ambition" signifies a deep and lasting commitment, whereas a "passing interest" is a temporary or superficial inclination. The former implies dedication and sustained effort, while the latter suggests a fleeting curiosity.