modest ambitions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest ambitions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe goals or aspirations that are not overly ambitious or grandiose, often implying a sense of realism or humility. Example: "While many of his peers aimed for fame and fortune, he was content with his modest ambitions of leading a simple, fulfilling life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Saban is not given to modest ambitions.

The New Yorker

Our poetry project had less modest ambitions.

The New Yorker

Backers in Beijing had more modest ambitions.

The New York Times

Others have more practical, or at least more modest, ambitions.

The New York Times

Mrs Merkel has modest ambitions and scant money to spare.

The Economist

It depends on the circumstances and requires modest ambitions.

The Economist

Pipa, a Spanish word meaning "great time," has modest ambitions.

The New York Times - Arts

That season, the Huskies' schedule was a manifestation of modest ambitions.

The New York Times - Sports

The hegemon's necessarily modest ambitions help the system command widespread consent abroad.

The Economist

It is also a reason for them to have modest ambitions.

The Economist

Harken teases Nick with a phantom promotion, making a cruel game of his underling's modest ambitions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest ambitions" to set realistic expectations in project planning or goal setting. This can prevent overcommitment and ensure achievable outcomes.

Common error

Avoid implying that having "modest ambitions" means lacking drive or capability. Instead, emphasize that it reflects a conscious choice to prioritize different values or goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest ambitions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "ambitions". It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest ambitions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes realistic and attainable goals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to convey humility or practicality, particularly within News & Media. While often positive, it's crucial to avoid implying a lack of drive and ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives like "humble aspirations" or "realistic expectations" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble aspirations

Replaces "ambitions" with "aspirations" and "modest" with "humble", suggesting a similar level of understated goals.

moderate goals

Uses "moderate" as a synonym for "modest", emphasizing the balanced and reasonable nature of the aims.

unassuming aims

Replaces "modest" with "unassuming", highlighting the lack of pretension in the goals.

limited goals

Substitutes both words with near synonyms emphasizing restriction instead of humility.

restrained aspirations

Indicates ambitions that are kept within certain bounds, suggesting a controlled or limited scope.

practical objectives

Highlights the feasibility and utility of the goals, suggesting a focus on tangible outcomes.

realistic expectations

Focuses on the achievability of the aims rather than their scale, conveying a sense of practicality.

simple objectives

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the targets, rather than their scale or grandeur.

down-to-earth aspirations

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the grounded and realistic nature of the desires.

small dreams

Uses a more figurative term, "dreams", instead of "ambitions", implying personal and attainable desires.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest ambitions" to describe someone who isn't seeking fame or fortune, but rather personal fulfillment. For example: "Despite his talent, he had "modest ambitions", preferring a quiet life with his family."

What are some synonyms for "modest ambitions"?

Alternatives include "humble aspirations", "limited goals", or "realistic expectations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to have "modest ambitions"?

Not necessarily. While it can reflect humility and contentment, it might also suggest a lack of drive or potential. The context determines whether having "modest ambitions" is seen as a virtue or a limitation.

What's the difference between "modest ambitions" and "low ambitions"?

"Modest ambitions" suggests reasonable and attainable goals, while "low ambitions" can imply a lack of aspiration or motivation. The distinction lies in the perceived value and reasoning behind the ambitions.