driven

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.

“Driven” is pronounced DRIHVN (/ˈdɹɪvn̩/ in IPA).

Here is “driven” used in a sentence: “She's one of the most driven people I know.”

The opposite of “driven” — its antonyms — are non-driven and nondriven.

“Driven” is an adjective.

“Driven” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Driven” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strongly motivated and determined to succeed.

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.

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.

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.

'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.