overwhelming ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense desire to achieve something significant or to succeed in a particular area. Example: "Her overwhelming ambition drove her to work long hours and pursue her dreams relentlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His says his overwhelming ambition has been to change the relationship between workers and intellectuals.

The Guardian

To some who have known Ms. Sultan, her overwhelming ambition and dalliances with wilder crowds as a young adult in Manhattan made her fall less surprising.

The New York Times

What remains is a hard reality: to be in possession of the truth can amount to nothing in the face of an overwhelming ambition to win.

The New Yorker

Thompson takes little pleasure in his pleasures and yet he has this overwhelming ambition to stay at the top of the tree.

The Guardian - Film

The verdict marks the low point for a once-glittering couple brought down by lies, overwhelming ambition, infidelity and a thirst for revenge that has torn their family apart and is likely to end with both being jailed.

Independent

You still have to deal with the almost overwhelming ambition, common to Bernhard fans, to correct his woeful stature in the English-speaking world, as well as the equally oppressive realization that opportunities for doing so are fast running out.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Either way, it's Pearl Jam taking a break from its sometimes overwhelming ambitions to let the songs emerge unadorned.

The New York Times

Initially, Pullman told me, he simply planned to infuse his story with Miltonian atmosphere — "the grandeur, the nobility, the overwhelming magnitude of ambition and imaginative power".

The New Yorker

Rowntree, however, believes setting out with the ambition of overwhelming Italy with a deluge of tries would be ill advised.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, overwhelming is overwhelming.

The New York Times - Arts

But ambition, misperception or overwhelming internal threats may drive a leader like Mr. Assad to do so anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's ambition, use "overwhelming ambition" to convey a sense of intense drive that might lead to both great achievements and potential pitfalls, such as moral compromises or burnout.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming ambition" when a simple desire or goal would suffice. The phrase implies a nearly all-consuming focus, so reserve it for situations where the ambition truly dominates the subject's actions and thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming ambition" functions as a noun phrase where "overwhelming" modifies the noun "ambition". It emphasizes the extreme intensity and dominating nature of the ambition being described. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overwhelming ambition" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a very strong and intense desire to achieve something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and suggests a force that could lead to success, but potentially at a great cost. While effective in conveying the intensity of ambition, it should be used judiciously to avoid overstatement and reserved for situations where such intensity is truly warranted. Alternatives like "intense desire for success" or "powerful drive to achieve" can be used depending on the specific nuance the writer wishes to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense desire for success

Replaces "ambition" with "desire for success" and "overwhelming" with "intense", focusing on the strong feeling.

powerful drive to achieve

Substitutes "ambition" with "drive to achieve" and "overwhelming" with "powerful", highlighting the force behind the ambition.

consuming passion for accomplishment

Replaces "ambition" with "passion for accomplishment" and "overwhelming" with "consuming", emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the drive.

unquenchable thirst for success

Uses a metaphorical approach, replacing "ambition" with "thirst for success" and "overwhelming" with "unquenchable", conveying a never-ending desire.

relentless pursuit of goals

Focuses on the action of pursuing goals, with "relentless" replacing "overwhelming" to show the persistence.

boundless aspiration

Replaces "ambition" with "aspiration" and "overwhelming" with "boundless", indicating limitless goals.

all-consuming hunger for achievement

Similar to "consuming passion", this emphasizes the strong need for achievement.

driving force for greatness

Highlights ambition as the primary motivator for achieving great things.

fervent aspiration for recognition

Emphasizes a strong desire to be acknowledged and celebrated for achievements.

exceedingly strong motivation

Focuses on the high degree of motivation, replacing both "overwhelming" and "ambition" with different terms.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming ambition" to describe a character's strong desire for success. For example, "Driven by "overwhelming ambition", she dedicated every waking moment to her career".

What's a good alternative to "overwhelming ambition"?

Alternatives include "intense desire for success", "powerful drive to achieve", or "consuming passion for accomplishment", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "overwhelming ambition" positive or negative?

It can be both. While ambition is generally seen as positive, "overwhelming ambition" suggests an intensity that could lead to negative consequences like burnout, ethical compromises, or strained relationships.

What's the difference between "ambition" and "overwhelming ambition"?

"Ambition" is a general desire for achievement. "Overwhelming ambition" implies a much stronger, almost obsessive drive that dominates a person's thoughts and actions.