mildly ambitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mildly ambitious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a moderate level of ambition, suggesting a desire for achievement without being overly aggressive or driven. Example: "Her goals for the project are mildly ambitious, aiming for steady progress rather than an overwhelming success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

called "a mildly ambitious education sector reform" — set off an uproar among Portuguese teachers.

The New York Times

Bombay sausages are what you would get if a mildly ambitious home cook decided they wanted to make Indian food but only had a pack of chipolatas to hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That said, however, he did make one mildly ambitious projection.

TechCrunch

And his mildly ambitious though inadequate emissions reduction agreement with China, will be implemented (if at all) through enforcement of existing laws, most importantly, the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the 2007 Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v EPA.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Her husband, Mr Cheong, is a mediocre employee, not greatly ambitious, mildly unenthused by his life but not dramatically so.

The Guardian - Books

To put it mildly, that is an ambitious goal.

The New York Times

The Economist magazine commented in October 2013 that the timeline was "ambitious, to put it mildly," but acknowledged it had been "worked out in consultation with American and Russians experts with full knowledge of the OPCW's capabilities".

Wikipedia

Attempting to impose a common cost-benefit framework on many such possibilities so that they can be meaningfully compared one with another is an ambitious exercise, to put it mildly.

The Economist

His father, Samuel Savile Kent, was an ambitious factory inspector who had a mildly scandalous past.

The Guardian - Books

"IT'S like being gay it's just not something you'd want to admit to in the Conservative Party," says an ambitious young Tory MP of his mildly pro-European proclivity.

The Economist

Click through below for a mildly NSFW look at the historic, artistic and downright dirty pieces housed in the most ambitious museum you've probably never been to.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mildly ambitious" to characterize projects or initiatives that are designed to be achievable and sustainable, focusing on gradual improvement rather than radical change.

Common error

Avoid using "mildly ambitious" when you actually mean "highly ambitious" or "extremely ambitious". The term is specifically for situations where the level of aspiration is moderate and not excessive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mildly ambitious" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate level of aspiration or drive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is frequently used in similar constructions across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mildly ambitious" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a moderate level of aspiration, used to qualify a noun as having some level of ambition without being overly aggressive or unrealistic. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, highlighting its use in news and media. While alternatives like "moderately aspiring" or "somewhat driven" exist, "mildly ambitious" offers a specific nuance that emphasizes a tempered approach to goals. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a moderate level of ambition and avoid using it when a stronger term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately aspiring

Indicates a level of ambition that is not excessive or extreme, similar to "mildly ambitious".

somewhat driven

Suggests a degree of motivation, but not to an overwhelming extent.

slightly motivated

Implies a low level of motivation, close to "mildly ambitious" in intensity.

reasonably purposeful

Conveys a sense of having goals without being overly aggressive.

passably zealous

Suggests a moderate level of enthusiasm or passion, similar to "mildly ambitious".

faintly eager

Indicates a slight level of eagerness or desire, reflecting a measured ambition.

softly determined

Implies a gentle but persistent determination, akin to "mildly ambitious".

gently striving

Suggests making an effort towards goals in a non-forceful manner.

modestly assertive

Indicates a level of assertiveness that is not overbearing, but still present.

tempered ambition

Emphasizes that the ambition is controlled or restrained in some way.

FAQs

How can I use "mildly ambitious" in a sentence?

You can use "mildly ambitious" to describe a person's goals or plans, such as, "Her goals for the project are "mildly ambitious", aiming for steady progress rather than an overwhelming success."

What are some alternatives to "mildly ambitious"?

Some alternatives include "moderately aspiring", "somewhat driven", or "slightly motivated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "slightly ambitious" instead of "mildly ambitious"?

Yes, "slightly ambitious" is a valid alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, indicating a moderate level of aspiration. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "mildly ambitious" and "highly ambitious"?

"Mildly ambitious" suggests a moderate level of aspiration and a focus on achievable goals, while "highly ambitious" implies a strong desire for significant achievement and a willingness to take risks to reach those goals.