Ambitious: meaning, definitions and examples

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ambitious

[æmˈbɪʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

career development

Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed in one's chosen career or goals.

Synonyms

determined, driven, goal-oriented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambitious	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.
driven	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.
determined	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.
goal-oriented	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.

Examples of usage

She is a very ambitious young woman who is determined to climb the corporate ladder.
His ambitious nature led him to start his own business at a young age.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

goal setting

Having a strong desire to achieve something grand or impressive.

Synonyms

aspiring, enterprising, high-reaching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambitious	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
aspiring	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
high-reaching	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
enterprising	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

Examples of usage

The ambitious project aimed to completely revolutionize the industry.
She set ambitious goals for herself and worked tirelessly to achieve them.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

negative connotation

Showing a willingness to do anything to get what one wants, often at the expense of others or moral principles.

Synonyms

cutthroat, ruthless, unscrupulous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambitious	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.
ruthless	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.
unscrupulous	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.
cutthroat	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.

Examples of usage

His ambitious pursuit of power led to many unethical decisions.
She was willing to betray anyone to achieve her ambitious goals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ambitious' comes from the Latin word 'ambitio,' which means to go around or seek for votes, showing an early connection to striving for success.
In the 14th century, the term shifted to describe someone who is eager to rise in status or wealth, highlighting a social aspect of ambition.
The transition of meaning over time reflects changing attitudes toward personal achievement and social mobility.

Pop Culture

In popular songs and movies, ambitious characters are often portrayed as heroes overcoming obstacles, resonating with audiences' desire for success.
Television shows like 'Shark Tank' highlight the ambitious nature of entrepreneurs, showing how dedication and creativity can lead to success.
Famous figures like Oprah Winfrey or Elon Musk are celebrated in media as embodiments of ambition, inspiring others with their stories.

Psychology

Studies show that ambition is linked to higher levels of happiness, as pursuing goals often contributes to life satisfaction.
However, excessive ambition can lead to stress and burnout, indicating a need for balance between striving for success and maintaining well-being.
Research suggests that individuals with a strong sense of ambition often set more challenging goals, which can foster personal growth and resilience.

Literature

Many literary works, such as Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' analyze the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and its consequences.
Classic novels often depict the ambitious protagonist facing moral dilemmas, provoking readers' thoughts on the cost of success.
Ambition as a theme can be seen in works like 'The Great Gatsby,' where characters chase their dreams but find themselves unfulfilled.

History

Historically, ambitious leaders have significantly shaped nations, with figures like Alexander the Great expanding empires through their drive for conquest.
The Renaissance period was characterized by ambitious thinkers and artists, seeking knowledge and mastery in their fields, changing the course of Western thought.
Ambition has often driven social movements, as leaders rallying for change have inspired communities to pursue equality and justice.

Translations

Translations of the word "ambitious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ambicioso

🇮🇳 महत्वाकांक्षी

🇩🇪 ehrgeizig

🇮🇩 ambisius

🇺🇦 амбіційний

🇵🇱 ambitny

🇯🇵 野心的な

🇫🇷 ambitieux

🇪🇸 ambicioso

🇹🇷 hırslı

🇰🇷 야심 찬

🇸🇦 طموح

🇨🇿 ambiciózní

🇸🇰 ambiciózny

🇨🇳 有雄心的

🇸🇮 ambiciozen

🇮🇸 metnaðarfullur

🇰🇿 амбициялы

🇬🇪 ამბიციური

🇦🇿 iddialı

🇲🇽 ambicioso

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,065 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6068 strips
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