Ambition
noun/æmˈbɪ.ʃən/Ambition is a powerful desire and determination to achieve success, power, or a specific goal. It often involves a strong drive to work hard, overcome challenges, and strive for a significant personal or professional accomplishment.
Do you have big dreams for your future? Maybe you want to become a doctor, start your own business, or travel the world? That strong, burning desire to achieve something great, to work hard and make your dreams a reality, is what we call ambition.
Often, learners wonder if ambition is always a good thing. It's usually seen as positive because it motivates people to achieve great things. However, it can sometimes have a negative side if someone's desire for success makes them selfish or willing to harm others.
Is “ambition” positive or negative?
“Ambition” is a neutral word. Ambition itself is neutral; its connotation depends on the context and the actions it inspires. It can be positive when it leads to great achievements and benefits others, but negative if it makes someone ruthless or overly self-centered.
Ambition in a sentence
- “Her lifelong ambition was to become a successful architect.
- “He worked tirelessly, driven by his ambition to open his own restaurant.
- “Despite many setbacks, her ambition to learn three languages never faded.
- “The young athlete's ambition pushed him to train harder every single day.
- “The CEO's ambition to expand the company globally was clear in her strategic plans.
- “Their shared ambition to travel around the world united them.
Common phrases with “ambition”
Words similar to “ambition” (and how they differ)
Refers to the internal energy, motivation, and determination that keeps someone working towards a goal, often implying a natural inclination rather than a specific target. It's about the inner force. 'She has incredible drive to succeed in everything she does.'
“His incredible drive helped him overcome every obstacle.”
A strong hope or desire to achieve something, often related to personal growth, a noble ideal, or a long-term goal. It's usually about what you *want* to become or achieve, rather than the aggressive pursuit. 'His aspiration was to live a simple, happy life.'
“Her greatest aspiration was to make a positive impact on the world.”
A specific objective or target that one aims to achieve. 'Goal' is the *what* you want to reach, while 'ambition' is the *strong desire* and determination to reach that what. 'My main goal this year is to run a marathon.'
“Setting realistic goals is the first step towards achieving them.”
The quality of being firm in purpose and not giving up, especially when facing difficulties. It focuses on the mental strength and perseverance needed to complete a task or reach an objective. 'Her determination helped her finish the race despite an injury.'
“With sheer determination, they completed the challenging project on time.”
Great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective, often suggesting a passionate and sometimes fervent commitment. It's more about the intensity of feeling and eagerness to pursue something. 'He pursued his humanitarian work with great zeal.'
“The team approached the new challenge with impressive zeal.”
Opposites of “ambition”
Word family
Describes someone who has a strong desire to achieve great things. 'She is a very ambitious student, always aiming for top grades.'
Describes doing something with great ambition or determination. 'He ambitiously set out to climb the highest mountain.'
Where the word comes from
The word 'ambition' comes from the Latin word 'ambitio', which originally meant 'a going around' or 'canvassing for votes'. It referred to candidates walking around to gather support, showing their desire for power or office.
Frequently asked
What does ambition mean?
Ambition means having a strong desire to achieve something important, like success, power, or a specific goal, and being determined to work hard for it. It's the inner drive to make big dreams come true.
Is ambition positive or negative?
Ambition itself is neutral. It can be very positive when it motivates people to achieve great things and contribute to society. However, it can become negative if someone's ambition makes them selfish, ruthless, or willing to hurt others to get what they want.
How do you use 'ambition' in a sentence?
You can use 'ambition' to describe someone's strong desire or goal. For example: 'Her ambition was to become a famous singer.' or 'He worked hard to achieve his professional ambitions.'
What is the difference between ambition and aspiration?
Ambition is a strong desire and determination to achieve something, often involving active pursuit and hard work. Aspiration is more about a strong hope or dream for the future, often related to personal growth or ideals, and can be less aggressive in its pursuit.
Can you have too much ambition?
Yes, it's possible. While ambition is usually good, 'too much ambition' can sometimes lead to negative outcomes if it causes someone to be overly competitive, ignore ethical boundaries, or prioritize personal gain above everything else, potentially harming relationships or well-being.
What are some synonyms for ambition?
Some words similar to ambition include 'drive' (inner energy), 'aspiration' (a strong hope or dream), 'goal' (a specific target), 'determination' (firm purpose), and 'zeal' (great enthusiasm).