slightly ambitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly ambitious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or plan that is somewhat challenging or requires a moderate level of effort to achieve. Example: "Her proposal for the project was slightly ambitious, aiming to complete it in half the usual time frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

2. Make something slightly ambitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was slightly ambitious as we didn't know how to begin making books; we eventually sat down and scaled down to a 8 1/2 x 11 zine to start.

The New Yorker

Because they keep you in that dual mode of having a purpose in life and being slightly ambitious, which I think everybody should be until it's time to die.

The New York Times

9.45am GMT 33rd over: England 142-3 (Root 52, Morgan 30) Maxwell's over starts with a slightly ambitious single – if Root isn't run out it's only because there was no direct hit from Watson, and he dived with some gusto.

The Guardian - Sport

Fundraising on an operatic scale seems, in hindsight, more than a slightly ambitious undertaking, but this was the project of a lifetime and a curious balance of naivety and belief got me through.

The Guardian

"He won't have to wait for Cardiff to become that, so slightly ambitious, slightly outrageous.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Slightly more ambitious is the organization's plan to turn Americans against each other.

The New York Times

And then the company found a new, slightly less ambitious, way forward.

The New York Times

For their next venture, they have in mind a location slightly more ambitious: Kigali, Rwanda.

The New York Times

There are plenty of ways of sailing in Maine, from short trips in Kennebunkport to slightly more ambitious voyages.

The Guardian - Travel

My generation is, or was, slightly more ambitious, knocking through, opening blocked-up fireplaces, putting dormers in the attic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly ambitious" when you want to convey that a plan or goal involves a degree of aspiration without being unrealistic or overly challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly ambitious" when the context clearly indicates a project or goal that is significantly more challenging or complex. Choose a more appropriate descriptor to accurately reflect the scale of the undertaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly ambitious" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe the degree of ambition associated with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It suggests a plan or goal is not overly audacious but requires effort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly ambitious" serves as an adjectival phrase, used to describe goals, plans or undertakings that involve a certain degree of aspiration without being unrealistic. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, affirming it fits well in diverse written contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the expression maintains a neutral register making it fit for both formal and informal use. When deploying this phrase, it is beneficial to ensure that the "ambition" genuinely reflects a manageable level of effort, steering clear of overstating the true scope of a task. Alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "somewhat aspirational" can be used to achieve more granular precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately challenging

Focuses on the level of difficulty involved rather than directly addressing ambition.

somewhat aspirational

Emphasizes the aspirational quality, suggesting a desire to achieve something significant.

mildly audacious

Highlights a bolder, risk-taking aspect, implying a willingness to defy convention to a limited degree.

reasonably enterprising

Implies initiative and resourcefulness are required, while remaining within reasonable boundaries.

fairly inventive

Highlights the creativity and originality required while still indicating it's not overly complex.

quite demanding

Emphasizes the effort and resources needed while indicating it's manageable.

relatively groundbreaking

Focuses on the innovative quality, suggesting a moderate degree of novelty.

reasonably innovative

Indicates the goal or plan involves some degree of novelty while remaining practical and achievable.

somewhat forward-thinking

Highlights the strategic planning element while indicating it's not excessively radical or futuristic.

mildly unconventional

Focuses on the uniqueness while signaling it's not excessively bizarre or outlandish.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly ambitious" to describe a plan, goal, or project that requires a moderate level of effort and aspiration. For example: "The project's timeline was "slightly ambitious", but achievable with diligent work."

What are some alternatives to "slightly ambitious"?

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

Is "slightly ambitious" formal or informal?

"Slightly ambitious" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for use in a variety of settings.

What does it mean to be "slightly ambitious"?

To be "slightly ambitious" means to have goals or plans that require effort and may stretch your abilities, but are still within the realm of possibility.