Ambition: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring hard work and dedication. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if someone is perceived as overly driven.

• Her ambition to become a doctor motivated her to study hard.
• His unchecked ambition led him to make questionable decisions.

Refers specifically to a hope or desire to achieve something, often relating to long-term goals or ideals. It generally has a more positive and lofty connotation.

• She has aspirations to climb Mount Everest.
• Their aspirations for a better community drove them to start the charity.

Used to characterize a strong internal motivation or energy to achieve goals, often associated with enthusiasm and focus. It usually has a positive connotation.

• His drive to succeed impressed his colleagues.
• She has a lot of drive and is always looking for new challenges.

Describes an unyielding commitment to achieving a goal, often highlighting perseverance and resilience. It carries a positive connotation.

• With great determination, he finished the marathon.
• Her determination helped her overcome many obstacles.

This word is often used when someone is driven by a strong determination to achieve success or power, especially in their career or personal life. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if seen as overly aggressive.

• Her ambition to become the CEO of the company drove her to work late nights.
• His unbounded ambition often intimidated his colleagues.

This word is used to describe an aim or desired result that someone plans and commits to achieve. It often implies a more concrete and measurable target.

• Her goal is to complete the marathon within four hours.
• They set a goal to increase sales by 20% next quarter.

This word is often used to describe a cherished desire or an ideal ambition. It usually has a positive and hopeful connotation, often referring to long-term or visionary goals.

• It has always been her dream to own a little house by the sea.
• He pursued his dream of becoming a professional musician.

This is a broad term that can refer to a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen. It can be used for both tangible and intangible things, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

• She has a strong desire to learn new languages.
• His desire for recognition led him to work on high-profile projects.

Ambition is used to describe a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. It generally has a positive connotation.

• She showed great ambition in pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor
• His ambition to lead the company to new heights was evident

Greed refers to an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. It usually carries a negative connotation and implies a lack of consideration for others.

• His greed for money led him to unethical business practices
• The company's collapse was a result of the CEO's unchecked greed

Ruthlessness describes a lack of compassion and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve one's goals, often at the expense of others. This term has a negative connotation.

• Her ruthlessness in the boardroom earned her both respect and fear
• The dictator's ruthlessness was evident in his cruel policies

Selfishness is the act of prioritizing one's own needs and desires over those of others. It is generally perceived negatively because it suggests disregard for others' feelings or needs.

• His selfishness caused a rift in the family
• She displayed selfishness by taking all the credit for the team's work