lower ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in one's goals or aspirations, often in a context where someone is settling for less than they are capable of achieving. Example: "After years of striving for excellence, he decided to adopt a lower ambition and focus on a more balanced lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I think we should aim for a lower ambition".

The Guardian

Our main goal with this issue was to monitor "How to make it happen?" but we ended up with more questions and the lower ambition of, "What's happening".

Journal of Cleaner Production

5 A large proportion of patients had missing information on the level of ejection fraction (28%), which implies down-prioritization of diagnostic and follow-up investigations and most likely concurrently lower ambition in initiating and optimizing evidence-based treatment of HF.

European Journal of Heart Failure

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This sketching game has lower ambitions but, clearly, it'll be a learning experience for Google that might prompt it to introduce more significant apps or services via WeChat in the future.

TechCrunch

The salt air did not help the structure, but equally damaging was the lowering ambition and resources that the council could devote to the pavilion in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Guardian - Arts

They see the logic of lowering ambitions and focusing sharply on that which can be achieved.

The Economist

Officials in Brussels warn that signs of a weakening commitment by European leaders to fighting climate change could start a chain reaction, lowering ambitions among other central players, like China and India.

The New York Times

The Australian Open will get a fine women's champion on Saturday, whoever wins, because former finalist Li Na and little giant-killer Dominika Cibulkova have done all that has been asked of them over the past fortnight in negotiating the falling timber in a tournament of high temperatures and lowered ambitions.

The Guardian - Sport

Analysts and diplomats surveying prospects at an international conference in Warsaw this week agreed that Obama is more likely to lower his ambition – proposing interim or limited steps to be discussed when the parties return to negotiations.

The Guardian

But we mustn't lower our ambitions.

Independent

It's such a lowering of ambition and expectation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lower ambition" when you want to convey a deliberate decision to reduce the scope or intensity of goals, often in response to changing circumstances or priorities. This suggests a strategic adjustment rather than a complete abandonment of aspirations.

Common error

Avoid using "lower ambition" when you mean to describe a complete lack of motivation. The phrase suggests a conscious reduction in goals, not necessarily a defeat or absence of aspiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower ambition" functions as a verb + noun construction, where "lower" acts as a transitive verb indicating the action of reducing something, and "ambition" is the noun representing the object being reduced. It describes the act of diminishing one's aspirations, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower ambition" is grammatically sound and signifies the act of reducing one's aspirations or goals. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, often appearing in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While not extremely common, it serves the purpose of describing a deliberate adjustment of objectives, usually in response to evolving circumstances. Consider related phrases like "reduce aspirations" or "scale down objectives" for similar meanings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications; it signifies a strategic change, not necessarily a failure. Avoiding misinterpreting it as a complete absence of motivation is crucial for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce aspirations

Focuses on the act of diminishing one's hopes or desires for achievement.

scale down objectives

Emphasizes a reduction in the scope or size of planned targets.

temper expectations

Highlights moderating one's anticipations to avoid disappointment.

adjust goals downward

Directly indicates a modification of aims to a less ambitious level.

curtail aspirations

Suggests limiting or restraining one's desires for success.

decrease objectives

Focuses on lessening or diminishing planned achievements.

moderate ambitions

Implies making one's aspirations less extreme or intense.

recalibrate expectations

Highlights readjusting anticipations based on new information or circumstances.

tone down goals

Suggests making aims less prominent or assertive.

soften aspirations

Implies making one's desires for achievement gentler or less forceful.

FAQs

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

You can use "lower ambition" to describe a situation where someone reduces their goals, like: "Due to personal reasons, he had to "lower ambition" and focus on family."

What are some alternatives to "lower ambition"?

Some alternatives include "reduce aspirations", "scale down objectives", or "temper expectations" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "lower ambition"?

Not necessarily. "Lower ambition" can be a strategic choice to prioritize well-being, family, or other values over career advancement or other goals. It's about adjusting priorities, not always about failure.

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

"Lower ambition" implies a conscious decision to reduce goals, while "lack of ambition" suggests an absence of motivation or desire to achieve. The former is an active choice, the latter a passive state.