driven
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for driven, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Strongly motivated and determined to succeed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use driven
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “driven” mean?
The word “driven” means strongly motivated and determined to succeed. In plain terms, highly motivated and focused on achieving a goal; also, snow that has been piled up by the wind.
How do you pronounce “driven”?
“Driven” is pronounced DRIHVN (/ˈdɹɪvn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “driven” in a sentence?
Here is “driven” used in a sentence: “She's one of the most driven people I know.”
What is the opposite of “driven”?
The opposite of “driven” — its antonyms — are non-driven and nondriven.
What part of speech is “driven”?
“Driven” is an adjective.
Is “driven” a common word?
“Driven” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “driven” have?
“Driven” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strongly motivated and determined to succeed.
What is the difference between driven and ambitious?
They are close, but 'ambitious' describes what you want — big goals and a desire to rise. 'Driven' describes how hard you push toward those goals, the relentless inner energy behind the effort. An ambitious person aims high; a driven person works tirelessly to get there. Many successful people are strongly both at once.
Is being driven a good thing?
Usually yes. In work and study, 'driven' is a compliment, suggesting focus, determination, and a strong work ethic that employers value highly. Taken to an extreme, though, being driven can shade into being unable to rest, overly single-minded, or prone to burnout. Kept in balance, it is a genuine and admired strength.
Can a person become more driven?
To some degree, yes. While temperament plays a part, motivation can be strengthened by setting clear and meaningful goals, tracking progress, building good habits, and linking daily tasks to a larger purpose. People often become more driven when they find work they genuinely care about, rather than forcing determination through willpower alone.
What is the difference between driven and motivated?
'Motivated' means having a reason to act and the willingness to do so, which can rise and fall. 'Driven' is stronger and more constant — a deep, almost restless need to achieve that keeps pushing a person forward. Motivation sparks action, while being driven is what sustains that effort over the long term.