selfish ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'selfish ambition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's pursuit of power or success with disregard to the effects on others. Example sentence: His selfish ambition led him to neglect his family while chasing his career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is not a wonder that selfishness, self-preservation, selfish ambition and selfies are what is shared and celebrated most broadly.

Huffington Post

Selfish ambition doesn't think much about other people.

The Guardian - Music

Despite his treachery and selfish ambition, Karaïskákis was a brave warrior and one of the few Greek commanders the Turks actually feared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it's also a timeless allegory about the foibles of selfish ambition and material security and a dissertation on what Johnston saw as the vacuousness of suburban satisfaction.

The Guardian - Books

And "Top Girls" (1982), Ms Churchill's best-known play, uses a boisterous dinner party of historical female martyrs to consider some of the empty promises of feminism and the rise of selfish ambition under Margaret Thatcher.

The Economist

When she becomes the younger Ratna, before Lata was born, she embodies a selfish ambition for success in the dance that visibly undermines her aesthetic sensibility, leaving one pitying and fearing her at the same time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Like Conan, she's a violent psychopath whose heroic acts are driven by her own selfish ambitions.

The Guardian - Books

He must not rely on ministers who were likely to be influenced by selfish ambitions or factional feeling and who might well keep important information from their master if they were allowed to.

Encyclopedia Britannica

[463] And: Although he held his tongue during the debates [at the Constitutional Convention], Washington was never a neutral party, and the interminable squabbling only reinforced his view that the country needed a potent central government to override the selfish ambitions of local politicians.

The New Yorker

He saw his tetrarchic system fail, torn by the selfish ambitions of his successors.

Wikipedia

While Mark Henry represented his own selfish ambitions and brute force, John Cena brought a different set of values to their match: his core principles of "hustle, loyalty, and respect".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selfish ambition", ensure that the context clearly indicates a disregard for the well-being of others in the pursuit of personal goals.

Common error

Avoid using "selfish ambition" when simply describing a strong desire to achieve something. The phrase implies a negative impact on others, so ensure this element is present in your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfish ambition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'selfish' modifies the noun 'ambition'. It describes a particular type of ambition characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of concern for others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "selfish ambition" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe the pursuit of personal goals with a disregard for others. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and offers numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, implying a moral deficiency, it's crucial to ensure this connotation is appropriate in the intended context. Remember to consider alternatives like "unscrupulous aspiration" or "self-serving drive" to achieve the desired nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unscrupulous aspiration

Replaces "selfish" with a more formal and negative adjective, highlighting the unethical nature of the ambition.

self-serving drive

Substitutes "ambition" with "drive", emphasizing the energetic pursuit of personal gain.

ego-driven pursuit

Replaces "selfish" with "ego-driven", stressing the role of ego in motivating the ambition.

ruthless desire for advancement

Replaces the original phrase with a more detailed description of the ambition's nature, highlighting the ruthlessness.

opportunistic goal seeking

Focuses on the exploitation of opportunities for personal gain.

narcissistic craving for success

Highlights the narcissistic element, linking ambition to a craving for success.

self-centered hunger for power

Emphasizes the focus on personal power and the associated hunger.

individualistic quest for achievement

Shifts the focus to the individual's personal quest, implying a disregard for collective goals.

amoral yearning for recognition

Highlights the lack of moral considerations in the pursuit of recognition.

unbridled thirst for fame

Uses "unbridled thirst" to convey the uncontrolled nature of the ambition for fame.

FAQs

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

You can use "selfish ambition" to describe someone's relentless pursuit of their goals at the expense of others, such as, "His "selfish ambition" drove him to betray his colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "selfish ambition"?

Alternatives include "unscrupulous aspiration", "self-serving drive", or "ego-driven pursuit", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to have ambition?

No, ambition itself is not inherently negative. "Selfish ambition" is negative because it implies a disregard for others, while healthy ambition focuses on personal growth and achievement without harming others.

What's the difference between "selfish ambition" and "strong ambition"?

"Selfish ambition" suggests that someone is willing to harm or take advantage of others to achieve their goals. "Strong ambition", on the other hand, simply indicates a powerful desire to succeed without necessarily implying negative consequences.