low ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of drive or aspiration in a person or their goals. Example: "His low ambition prevented him from pursuing opportunities that could have advanced his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Their presence has coincided, you gather, with a rise in low ambition.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Far too often, we witness low rent, low ambition drama being hailed for its viewing figures.

The Guardian

The European Union said the removal from the text of any reference to emissions from shipping and aviation betrayed "unacceptable levels of low ambition".

The Guardian

Pablo Solon: The UN ambassador became the face of Bolivia, the only country to stand against the low ambition shown by other countries in the Cancún climate summit.

The Guardian

The first of the two answers to the question from McDonald's, Chamorro-Premuzic said, captured "individual differences in neuroticism and conscientiousness"; the second, "low ambition and drive".

The Guardian

In effect, we would be using the 2015 agreement to set targets for some 15 years away, potentially locking in low ambition and putting the below-2C goal out of reach.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The sum of 20,000 refugees to be resettled looks impressive only if set against Europe's low ambitions.

The Economist

"The Abe administration is very close to big industry and the power monopolies and they have very low ambitions in terms of climate change policy," Iida said.

The Guardian

"We are disappointed, however, that the developed countries are in the process of locking in low ambitions under this second commitment period," Meera Mehrishi, India's chief negotiator, said Thursday.

The New York Times

So there were some good revivals ("Private Lives," "Morning's at Seven"), some so-so revivals ("The Crucible," "Oklahoma!"), one failed musical of high ambitions ("Sweet Smell of Success") and the standard crowd-pleasing musical of low ambitions ("Thoroughly Modern Millie").

The New York Times

Muppets are poor performing firms with low ambitions and low innovation novelty, while gazelles represent the very small group of entrepreneurial high growth firms making a huge impact on local economies as outstanding job creators (Henrekson and Johannson, 2010).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "low ambition", consider the specific context to determine if a more nuanced term like "modest goals" or "realistic expectations" might be more appropriate. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a lack of drive or a sensible approach.

Common error

Avoid equating "low ambition" with a lack of capability. Someone with "low ambition" may still possess significant talent; they simply may not be driven to pursue traditional markers of success or may prioritize other values over career advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low ambition" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" modifies the noun "ambition". It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a characteristic or quality. As per Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low ambition" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a lack of strong desire for achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in scientific and business domains. While the phrase can carry a negative connotation, it doesn't necessarily imply a lack of potential but rather a different set of priorities. When using "low ambition", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether alternatives like "modest goals" or "realistic expectations" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited aspirations

Focuses on the restricted nature of goals rather than the degree of ambition.

modest goals

Emphasizes the small-scale nature of objectives.

lack of drive

Highlights the absence of motivation to pursue goals.

unambitious nature

Shifts the focus to an inherent characteristic of being without great ambition.

limited motivation

Focuses on the reduced level of impetus for achievement.

passive approach

Describes a general lack of initiative and active pursuit of objectives.

little initiative

Highlights the absence of self-starting action.

small expectations

Concentrates on having minimal anticipations for success.

moderate objectives

Stresses the average or restrained quality of the goals set.

contentment with mediocrity

Emphasizes being satisfied with average or substandard performance.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "low ambition"?

Alternatives for "low ambition" include "limited aspirations", "modest goals", or "lack of drive", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use the phrase "low ambition" in a sentence?

You might say, "His "low ambition" was a point of contention with his father, who expected him to strive for more" or "The company's "low ambition" for growth concerned investors." The phrase generally describes a lack of desire for significant achievement.

Is it always negative to have "low ambition"?

Not necessarily. While "low ambition" can imply a lack of motivation, it can also indicate contentment, a focus on personal well-being, or a prioritization of values other than career success. The connotation depends on the context.

What's the difference between "low ambition" and "lack of ambition"?

"Low ambition" suggests a reduced level of desire for achievement, whereas "lack of ambition" implies a complete absence of it. The former suggests some motivation is present, albeit minimal, while the latter suggests none exists.