Definition of Ambitious
The word ambitious describes a person or a plan that is strongly motivated by achieving success, power, or high goals. It conveys a sense of determination, drive, and the willingness to take on challenges. Ambitious individuals often set challenging goals and work persistently to achieve them.
Synonyms for Ambitious
To enhance your vocabulary, here are synonyms for “ambitious” categorized based on their strength of match:
Strongest Matches
These words closely align with “ambitious” in meaning and intensity:
- Aspiring
- Determined
- Driven
- Goal-oriented
- Motivated
- Diligent
- Hardworking
- Tenacious
Strong Matches
These words share a strong but slightly different nuance:
- Visionary
- Enterprising
- Zealous
- Bold
- Persistent
- Industrious
- Competitive
- Dynamic
Weak Matches
These words are loosely related but may not fully capture the essence of “ambitious”:
- Optimistic
- Energetic
- Innovative
- Resourceful
- Eager
- Hopeful
- Restless
Example Sentences
Here are some ways to use “ambitious” correctly in a sentence:
- Personal Ambition: Sarah is an ambitious young lawyer who aims to become a partner at her firm within five years.
- Career Goals: The ambitious entrepreneur launched three businesses before the age of 30.
- Project Scope: Their plan to build a sustainable city in five years is incredibly ambitious.
- Academic Achievement: Jake’s ambitious goal of earning two degrees simultaneously required intense dedication.
- Teamwork and Leadership: The ambitious coach pushed the team to exceed expectations and break records.
Contextual Usage
Understanding “ambitious” in various contexts can help refine its usage:
- Professional Setting: Often used to describe individuals seeking career advancement or leadership roles.
- Academic Environment: Can refer to students or researchers aiming for high achievements.
- Entrepreneurial Sphere: Applies to startup founders and business leaders setting high goals.
- Personal Development: Used when discussing self-improvement, goal-setting, or perseverance.
- Art and Creativity: Describes artists or projects with grand visions and innovative ideas.
Related Words
- Ambition (noun) – The drive to achieve something great.
- Overambitious (adjective) – Being excessively ambitious, sometimes to a fault.
- Go-getter (noun) – Someone highly ambitious and proactive.
- High-achiever (noun) – A person who consistently strives for excellence.
- Driven (adjective) – Having a strong internal motivation.
Additional Insights
- Etymology: The word “ambitious” comes from the Latin “ambitiosus,” meaning “eager for favor, striving for advancement.”
- Common Misconceptions: Being ambitious is often confused with being ruthless or selfish, but it simply means having strong aspirations.
- Opposite Words: Words that mean the opposite of ambitious include “lazy,” “unmotivated,” “apathetic,” and “passive.”
- Cultural Perspective: In some cultures, ambition is highly valued as a sign of hard work and success, while in others, it may be viewed negatively if perceived as excessive or overly aggressive.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, synonyms and usage may vary based on context, region, and personal interpretation. Readers are encouraged to consult a dictionary or language expert for further clarification.
