reasonably ambitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably ambitious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe goals or plans that are challenging yet achievable, striking a balance between being too easy and overly difficult. Example: "The project aims to be reasonably ambitious, targeting a 20% increase in sales over the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There's just an implicit pressure that you have to say something reasonably ambitious and substantial.

The New York Times

On any given weekend, a reasonably ambitious cook might roast a bird, mash some potatoes and bake a pie.

The New York Times - Food

Securing an inward flow of reasonably ambitious people constitutes a perpetual challenge for a city of Portland's size.

The Guardian

I don't know if students who are grounded but also reasonably ambitious can even distinguish what they really want to do from what's good for the process.

The New York Times

The dinner menu is reasonably ambitious, with eight hot entrees, five salads, eight tartines and three special platters that two people might share.

The New York Times

It was all the more exciting because it came hard on the heels of reasonably ambitious EU-wide targets to cut emissions, and a one-off summit in New York at which world leaders agreed to halt deforestation by 2030.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Now they are cultural phenomena as well, the product of an evolving global operating system that has drawn together the producers and consumers of buildings and cars to create what an art historian might reasonably describe as the most ambitious earthwork of historical time.

The New York Times - Arts

Jean Smart, as his ambitious wife, does a reasonably good job of acting in what looks to be the complete absence of guidance from the script or the director.

The New York Times

Four technology companies are pursuing ambitious plans that could, eventually, provide reasonably fast, high-quality connections to almost everyone on Earth.

The Economist

Add at least one "stretch goal" -- an ambitious milestone beyond what you feel reasonably confident you can achieve.

Huffington Post

Even with the external board in place, a question remained: How many of Ben & Jerry's ambitious initiatives could a multinational like Unilever reasonably be expected to support?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonably ambitious" to frame expectations realistically. It suggests goals are challenging yet attainable, which can motivate without overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably ambitious" when the context clearly suggests the goals are either easily achievable or entirely unrealistic. This can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably ambitious" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It qualifies the degree of ambition, suggesting a balance between aspiration and feasibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonably ambitious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes goals or plans that are challenging yet attainable. Ludwig AI confirms this. It strikes a balance between aspiration and practicality, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "fairly demanding" can add nuance, but the core message remains consistent: ambition tempered by realism. Remember to use it when conveying goals are challenging but attainable and avoid using it when the context clearly suggests the goals are either easily achievable or entirely unrealistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately challenging

Indicates a level of challenge that is neither too easy nor overly difficult.

fairly demanding

Suggests a level of ambition that requires considerable effort, but remains within reasonable limits.

somewhat aspirational

Highlights the aspirational quality of the ambition, implying it is a step above current capabilities.

suitably challenging

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the level of difficulty, suggesting it is well-suited to the task or individual.

realistically aspirational

Adds a touch of realism, meaning that the degree of ambition is tempered by practical considerations and feasibility.

prudently ambitious

Conveys a sense of caution and careful planning in the level of ambition.

achievably ambitious

Explicitly states that the ambitious goals are within the realm of what can be accomplished.

manageably ambitious

Focuses on the manageability of the ambitions, implying that they can be handled effectively.

sensibly ambitious

Highlights that the level of ambition is based on rational and logical considerations.

feasibly ambitious

Underscores the feasibility of achieving the stated ambitions.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonably ambitious" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonably ambitious" to describe a goal, project, or plan that is challenging but still achievable. For example, "The company set a "reasonably ambitious" target for sales growth this year."

What are some alternatives to "reasonably ambitious"?

Alternatives include "moderately challenging", "fairly demanding", or "somewhat aspirational", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "reasonably ambitious" or "highly ambitious"?

The choice depends on the context and desired outcome. "Highly ambitious" implies a very challenging goal, while "reasonably ambitious" suggests a more balanced and attainable approach.

What does it mean to be "reasonably ambitious"?

To be "reasonably ambitious" means to have goals that are challenging and require effort, but are still realistic and attainable. It strikes a balance between being too complacent and setting unrealistic expectations.