materialistic ambitions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materialistic ambitions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe desires or goals that are focused on acquiring material wealth or possessions. Example: "His materialistic ambitions often overshadowed his relationships and personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Enron was developing a reputation as a freewheeling, innovative company, and its aggressive, meritocratic culture seemed the perfect fit for Mr. Kopper, who was looking to unleash his own pent-up professional and materialistic ambitions, former colleagues say.

The New York Times

On a taped call played during Mr. Rajaratnam's trial, Mr. Rajaratnam and a friend gossiped about what they saw as the materialistic ambitions of Mr. Gupta, who lives with his wife in a waterfront mansion in Westport, Conn, where they raised four daughters.

The New York Times

People had distanced themselves from materialistic ambitions -- or so they thought.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In his view, the few pathways open to a young black man — dead-end jobs and smothering family relations, a fast and dangerous life of pleasure, and vulgarly materialistic middle-class ambition — are all unpalatable.

The New Yorker

The possibility of sex is mixed with an austere saying: "Expect much of yourself and little of others," "You cannot love life until you live the life you love," and "Financial hardship in your life is coming to an end!" Every message alludes to themes of hidden ambition, materialistic influences, personal aims at inner peace, and the disconnect between physical and mental states.

Vice

Materialistic motivation is based on ambition, competition and a desire for position.

Huffington Post

Ambition, in our skeptical and materialistic age, is a worldly quality.

The New York Times - Arts

8: Ambition, organization, practicality, successful, selfish, materialistic.

WikiHow

They are indeed like every dysfunctional family of their class or, rather, like every tabloid cliché of the rich American dysfunctional family: the materialistic, social-climbing wife who either ignores her children or channels her narcissistic ambitions through them and her crass, competitive husband, a neglectful philanderer.

The New York Times - Books

Or materialistic.

The New York Times

Less materialistic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the ambitions are viewed positively, negatively, or neutrally, as the phrase can carry a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "materialistic ambitions" to describe general ambitions or desires unrelated to material possessions. Be specific in connecting the ambition to wealth or material gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "materialistic ambitions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "materialistic" modifies the noun "ambitions". Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. The phrase describes the nature or direction of someone's ambitions, specifying that they are related to material possessions or wealth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "materialistic ambitions" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong desire for wealth and possessions. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. While its frequency is rare, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, characterizing ambitions related to material gain and carries a neutral register. Alternative phrases include "desire for wealth" and "financial goals". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the intent and potential implications of these ambitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monetary ambitions

Directly links the ambition to monetary gain.

materialistic pursuits

Highlights the actions taken to achieve material wealth.

desire for wealth

Focuses on the underlying longing for riches, removing the nuance of ambition.

financial goals

Specifies the ambition as being centered around money and finance.

consumerist aspirations

Emphasizes the drive to consume goods as a primary goal.

greed for possessions

Highlights the acquisitive and potentially negative aspect of materialism.

commercial aspirations

Focuses on goals related to success in business and trade.

acquisitive tendencies

Shifts the focus to a general inclination towards acquiring things.

avaricious goals

Implies an excessive and insatiable desire for wealth.

worldly aspirations

Broadens the scope to include any goals related to material success and social status.

FAQs

What does "materialistic ambitions" mean?

It refers to a strong desire and pursuit of wealth, possessions, and material comforts as a primary goal in life. It suggests that someone's aspirations are heavily focused on acquiring material goods.

How can I use "materialistic ambitions" in a sentence?

You might say, "His "materialistic ambitions" drove him to pursue a career in finance", or "She sacrificed personal relationships to fulfill her "materialistic ambitions"".

What are some phrases similar to "materialistic ambitions"?

Alternatives include "desire for wealth", "greed for possessions", or "financial goals". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "materialistic ambitions"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a focus on superficial values, it simply describes the nature of one's ambitions. The impact depends on the individual's ethics and how they pursue those ambitions. Some may see it negatively, while others see it as a driver for success.