Ambitious
/æmˈbɪʃəs/
Definitions
Having or showing strong desire and determination to succeed.
/æmˈbɪʃəs/
Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
He was an ambitious young man who wanted to be CEO by 30.
💡 Simply: Wanting to achieve a lot.
More Examples
Her ambitious project required a lot of funding.
How It's Used
"She's an ambitious young lawyer with high hopes for her career."
"He set ambitious goals for himself, determined to reach them."
From Middle English *ambicios*, from Old French *ambicieux*, from Latin *ambitiosus*, from *ambitio* "ambition, a going around soliciting votes," from *ambire* "to go around, encompass," from *ambi- "around" + ire "to go."
Historically, 'ambitious' could carry a more negative connotation, implying excessive or selfish ambition.
Memory tip
Think of 'aim' high and 'biting' off more than you can chew - that's ambition!