powerful ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powerful ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or drive to achieve something significant or impactful. Example: "Her powerful ambition to change the world motivated her to pursue a career in social activism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

His characters were often motivated by powerful ambition or desperation to escape society's constraints.

The New York Times - Books

But he has also shown traits that have eased his path, like the ability to plunge into a subject with a surgeon's focus, a hunger to win and a powerful ambition.

The New York Times

Mr. Caro concludes from long and deep study that when Johnson's vivid sense of compassion came into conflict with his powerful ambition -- he wanted not just to be president but to surpass his hero, Franklin D. Roosevelt -- ambition won out.

The New York Times

She had a powerful ambition to sell a painting to the government art collection – without letting on who she was – and for it to be displayed in a minister's office.

The Guardian

A designer of eclectic talents, he produced work that gradually evolved from neo-classic orthodoxy to an expressionistic modernism, driven by a powerful ambition that kept him beyond the pale, as far as the stylistic arbiters of the profession were concerned, for much of his professional life.

The Guardian

Mr. Gutierrez's beginnings as a dancer were typical enough, except that he was a boy ("a queeny little boy," he said) and the powerful ambition his Columbian-émigré parents harbored for him -- their only, American son -- didn't happen to include dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Together these two engrossing histories dramatize, from different perspectives, the critical events and powerful ambitions that toppled an old empire and changed the global power balance.

The New York Times - Books

Like many of his former cellmates, though, he saw a ceiling placed on his powerful ambitions.

The New York Times - Magazine

These characters are directly related to the Suffragettes, who also had very powerful ambitions and were determined to achieve their goals; without understanding their ancestors, how can we properly appreciate these modern characters?

The Guardian

The US and the EU joined some African and Latin American countries in a powerful "high ambition coalition", bringing countries within sight of an agreement.

The Guardian

In the 19th century the Meiji Restoration in Japan (1868 1912), motivated by powerful modernizing ambitions, centralized the state, weakened the aristocracy, and created a powerful bureaucracy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction or biographies, use "powerful ambition" to effectively convey a strong desire for achievement and influence.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful ambition" in contexts where a simple desire or goal is sufficient; reserve it for situations where the drive is exceptionally strong and influential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful ambition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "ambition". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a strong desire or drive to achieve a goal. Examples in Ludwig show it characterizing individuals and entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Books

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "powerful ambition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a strong and influential desire for achievement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in written English. While less common than some alternatives, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Remember to use it when the strength of the ambition is a key aspect of the description and avoid overuse in simple contexts. Consider using alternatives like "strong aspiration" or "fierce determination" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong aspiration

Replaces "ambition" with "aspiration", keeping the intensity implied by "powerful" but with a slightly different connotation.

boundless aspiration

Similar to "strong aspiration" but emphasizes the unlimited nature of ambition.

fierce determination

Conveys the strength of ambition through the adjective "fierce", emphasizing the will to succeed.

intense desire

Shifts from "ambition" to "desire", emphasizing the feeling rather than the goal, and uses "intense" to convey strength.

consuming desire

Emphasizes how ambition can dominate one's thoughts and actions, portraying it as all-encompassing.

overriding passion

Focuses on the emotional commitment associated with ambition, using "passion" as the core concept.

driving force

Uses a metaphor to describe ambition as a "driving force", focusing on its impact and energy.

unwavering resolve

Highlights the determination and persistence associated with strong ambition, replacing the noun with a quality.

vigorous pursuit

Shifts focus to the active and energetic chasing of goals that comes with "powerful ambition".

deep-seated yearning

Highlights the profound and intrinsic nature of the ambition, presenting it as a fundamental need.

FAQs

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

You can use "powerful ambition" to describe someone who has a strong desire to achieve something significant. For example, "Her "powerful ambition" drove her to succeed in a male-dominated industry."

What are some alternatives to "powerful ambition"?

Alternatives include "strong aspiration", "intense desire", or "fierce determination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very powerful ambition"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very powerful ambition" can be redundant. The word "powerful" already implies a high degree of strength, so adding "very" may not add significant value. Consider using a different adjective or rephrasing for emphasis if needed.

What's the difference between "powerful ambition" and "ruthless ambition"?

"Powerful ambition" describes a strong desire to achieve goals, while "ruthless ambition" implies a willingness to do anything, even harm others, to achieve those goals. Ruthless ambition carries a negative connotation.