Ambitious: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when describing someone who has strong desires to achieve success, often in a way that is commendable and aspiring.

• She is an ambitious young woman who plans to own her own company one day.
• His ambitious goals include becoming the youngest CEO in the industry.

This word highlights a person who is highly motivated and is pushing themselves towards their goals, often implying a relentless pursuit of success.

• He is driven by a need to prove his critics wrong.
• She is a driven individual who stops at nothing to achieve her dreams.

This word is appropriate when referring to someone who is very firm in their purpose, not willing to let obstacles stand in their way.

• Despite numerous setbacks, he remained determined to complete the marathon.
• Her determined attitude helped her overcome many challenges.

Use this term when referring to someone who consistently plans and focuses on achieving specific objectives, often in an organized and systematic way.

• As a manager, she is very goal-oriented and ensures her team meets all its targets.
• His goal-oriented approach has helped him rise quickly in his career.

Suitable for describing someone who has a strong desire to achieve success or power.

• She is ambitious and determined to become a CEO
• His ambitious plans for the company are impressive

Often used for someone who is aiming to achieve something in the future, usually in a specific field like a career.

• He is an aspiring actor waiting for his big break
• As an aspiring writer, she spends hours practicing her craft

Used to describe goals or ambitions that are particularly challenging or lofty. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The team set high-reaching goals for the upcoming year
• His high-reaching vision for the project inspired everyone

Fits situations where someone is showing initiative and willingness to start new projects or ventures.

• The enterprising young man started his own business at 20
• Her enterprising attitude helped the company grow rapidly

Use this word to describe someone with a strong desire and determination to achieve success. It has a positive connotation when referring to someone's drive and goals.

• She is an ambitious student who dreams of becoming a doctor.
• His ambitious plans for the company impressed the investors.

Appropriate for describing someone who shows no pity or compassion for others and may act harshly to achieve their goals. This word holds a strong negative connotation.

• The ruthless dictator showed no mercy to his enemies.
• Her ruthless tactics in negotiations left her opponents with nothing.

Best used to describe someone who lacks moral principles and is willing to engage in dishonest or unethical behavior to achieve their aims. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

• He was known as an unscrupulous businessman who would do anything to make a profit.
• The politician's unscrupulous methods eventually led to his downfall.

This word is suitable in situations where someone is extremely competitive and ruthless in their efforts to win or succeed, often at the expense of others. It has a negative connotation.

• The cutthroat nature of the business world can be overwhelming.
• He has a cutthroat attitude that makes him a fierce competitor.