personal ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an individual's goals, desires, or aspirations in a personal or professional context. Example: "Her personal ambition to become a successful entrepreneur drives her to work long hours and seek out new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Personal ambition?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Personal ambition is fine.

University of California, Berkeley

I have an enormous personal ambition.

The New York Times

They're not consumed with personal ambition.

The New York Times

Or was it personal ambition above all?

The New York Times

"I have enormous personal ambition.

The New Yorker

Cynics will say it is a matter of personal ambition.

The Economist

And Rudd's personal ambition is driving it all".

The Guardian

But he said national pride, not personal ambition, guides him.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not talking about personal ambition, although that's fine.

University of California, Berkeley

Learn the difference between personal ambition and journalistic ambition.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal ambition" to describe someone's internal drive and determination, not merely external achievements. Focus on the motivation behind their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "personal ambition" interchangeably with simple wishes or dreams. Ambition implies a concrete plan and dedicated effort, not just a fleeting desire. For example, wanting to travel the world is an aspiration; actively saving and planning a detailed itinerary demonstrates ambition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "personal ambition" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a quality or characteristic. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe the motivation behind someone's actions or as a driving force.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal ambition" is a noun phrase used to describe an individual's strong desire and determination to achieve their goals. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media and academic discussions. While often seen as a positive attribute, it's essential to differentiate it from "selfish ambition" and to balance it with ethical considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, understanding the nuances of "personal ambition" is crucial for effective communication and analysis of human behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive for success

Focuses on the determination and energy behind the ambition to achieve a positive outcome.

individual aspiration

Focuses on a hope or aim of achieving something, often suggesting a long-term goal.

desire for achievement

Highlights the yearning to accomplish something significant as the core of the ambition.

private goal

Emphasizes a goal set by an individual for themselves, highlighting the personal nature of the ambition.

quest for self-improvement

Emphasizes the aspect of personal growth and development as a key driver of ambition.

self-advancement

Highlights the aspect of improving one's position or status through ambition.

longing for recognition

Focuses on the desire to be acknowledged and appreciated for one's efforts and accomplishments.

careerism

Focuses specifically on ambition related to one's professional life and career progression.

ego-driven pursuit

Highlights the role of the ego in driving the ambition, potentially suggesting a self-centered motivation.

self-seeking

Suggests that the ambition is primarily motivated by personal gain and may disregard the needs of others.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal ambition" to describe someone's strong desire and determination to achieve their goals. For example, "Her "personal ambition" drove her to excel in her career."

What are some alternatives to "personal ambition"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "individual aspiration", "private goal", or "drive for success".

Is it always positive to have "personal ambition"?

While ambition is often seen as a positive trait, it can become negative if it leads to unethical behavior or disregard for others. It's important to balance "personal ambition" with integrity and empathy.

What is the difference between "personal ambition" and "selfish ambition"?

"Personal ambition" refers to a general desire for achievement, while "selfish ambition" implies that the pursuit of one's goals is prioritized above the well-being of others. Selfish ambition suggests a lack of consideration for the impact on those around you.