ambition
Ambition (noun) means a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal. Example: “Her ambition was to become a surgeon by the age of thirty.”
How to use ambition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong drive to succeed or reach a goal, or the goal itself.
Word forms
ambitioned past tense, ambitions plural, ambitions singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ was to become a surgeon by the age of thirty.
Etymology
From Latin ambitio, literally "a going around" — originally describing candidates in Rome canvassing for votes.
Related words
Rhymes for ambition
Frequently asked questions
What does “ambition” mean?
The word “ambition” means a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal. In plain terms, a strong drive to succeed or reach a goal, or the goal itself.
How do you pronounce “ambition”?
“Ambition” is pronounced am-BIHSH-uhn (/æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ambition” in a sentence?
Here is “ambition” used in a sentence: “Her ambition was to become a surgeon by the age of thirty.”
What part of speech is “ambition”?
“Ambition” is a noun.
Where does the word “ambition” come from?
The word “ambition” comes from Latin. From Latin ambitio, literally "a going around" — originally describing candidates in Rome canvassing for votes.
Is “ambition” a common word?
“Ambition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ambition” have?
“Ambition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal.
What is the difference between ambition and aspiration?
Ambition is a strong, driving desire to achieve success, power, or a goal, and can suggest determination or hunger. Aspiration is a hope or aim, usually gentler and less forceful in tone.
What is the difference between an ambition and a goal?
A goal is a specific, concrete objective you set out to reach, while ambition is the underlying drive to achieve. Note that ambition can itself name a particular aim, as in "her ambition is to become a doctor."
Is ambition a positive or a negative quality?
It can be either, depending on context. Ambition often praises drive and determination, but it can also imply ruthlessness when someone pursues success at others' expense.
Which preposition is used with ambition?
Ambition is commonly followed by "to" plus a verb, as in "an ambition to travel," or by "of," as in "the ambition of winning." Both patterns are standard.
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