noble ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noble ambition" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a goal or desire that is honorable, admirable, or morally upright. Example: His noble ambition to help those in need led him to become a volunteer at the local shelter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's a noble ambition.

The New York Times - Tech

It's a noble ambition but one fraught with pitfalls.

The Guardian - Music

It may be a noble ambition to reduce the debt burden of future generations.

The Economist

It sounds kidlike, but that is a noble ambition, and noble ambition meeting base reality is a great area for comedy".

The New York Times

A noble ambition, but scarcely a speck on the horizon right now.

The Guardian - Music

It's a noble ambition, but to achieve it her work will need to become more visually, technically and philosophically captivating.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

There's no reason why a dish with humble beginnings can't realise noble ambitions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It always has great noble ambitions but done with the utmost simplicity.

The New Yorker

The gap between Mr Kinakh's noble ambitions and Mr Kuchma's habits will widen once campaigning starts next month for the general election in March.

The Economist

Despite noble ambitions, Project Spark's output isn't as compelling as minigames made with the similarly open-ended creative tools in LittleBigPlanet.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite the government's noble ambitions, we are still a long way from achieving good quality, affordable childcare for all who want it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble ambition" to describe objectives that are not only ambitious but also morally commendable, adding a layer of ethical approval to the goal.

Common error

Avoid using "noble ambition" to describe self-serving or morally ambiguous goals, as it can create a dissonance and undermine your credibility. Ensure the ambition genuinely benefits others or aligns with higher ethical principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noble ambition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "noble" modifies the noun "ambition". According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used to describe a goal or desire that is honorable and admirable. This combination elevates the inherent intent of the noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble ambition" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a morally commendable and altruistic goal. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase combines an adjective that elevates the noun's inherent intent, creating a powerful expression of admiration and approval. While commonly found in news, books, and business contexts, it's important to ensure that the ambition truly aligns with ethical principles to avoid misattribution. The phrase has several alternatives such as "honorable aspiration" or "worthy objective", and is best used to describe objectives that benefit others or contribute to a greater good. Its frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources solidify its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honorable aspiration

Replaces "ambition" with "aspiration", conveying a slightly more idealistic and less forceful desire.

lofty goal

Substitutes both "noble" and "ambition" with simpler terms, focusing on the high-reaching nature of the objective.

admirable aim

Uses "admirable" instead of "noble", highlighting the praiseworthy quality of the "aim".

worthy objective

Replaces "ambition" with "objective", suggesting a more concrete and defined target.

righteous desire

Emphasizes the moral correctness of the "desire", adding a sense of justice and ethical motivation.

elevated purpose

Focuses on the high-minded and significant nature of the intended "purpose".

principled intent

Highlights that the "intent" follows clear moral principles and values.

grand design

Implies a large-scale and ambitious plan, rather than a simple desire.

selfless pursuit

Adds a sense of altruism, emphasizing that the ambition is for the benefit of others.

idealistic vision

Highlights a more conceptual desire to create a better world, rather than a personal ambition.

FAQs

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

You can use "noble ambition" to describe someone's admirable goal. For example, "Her "noble ambition" to eradicate poverty drove her to establish a charity."

What is a synonym for "noble ambition"?

Alternatives to "noble ambition" include "honorable aspiration", "worthy objective", or "admirable aim", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "noble ambition"?

Use "noble ambition" when you want to highlight that a goal is not only ambitious but also morally good and beneficial to others. It's suitable for describing altruistic goals or those aligned with strong ethical principles.

What's the difference between "noble ambition" and "grand ambition"?

"Noble ambition" emphasizes the moral quality and altruistic nature of a goal, while "grand ambition" simply suggests that the goal is large in scope and impact. A "grand ambition" may not necessarily be morally driven.