VocabDictionary

ambitious

/æmˈbɪʃ.əs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed, achieve power, or attain wealth.

Example Sentences:
  • She is an ambitious young lawyer who hopes to become a partner within five years.
  • The company launched an ambitious project to provide clean water to the entire region.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “ambitious”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'ambitiosus', meaning 'seeking favor' or 'courting popularity'. It stems from 'ambitio' (a going around), referring to the Roman practice of candidates walking around the city to solicit votes for office.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone 'Ambitious' as someone who is 'Am-bit-ious'—they are willing to take 'bits' of the world to build their empire.

Frequently Asked Questions About “ambitious

1. What is the meaning of “ambitious” in English?

In English, ambitious (adjective) is defined as: “Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed, achieve power, or attain wealth.”.

2. How do you use “ambitious” in a sentence?

She is an ambitious young lawyer who hopes to become a partner within five years.

3. What are English synonyms of “ambitious”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “ambitious”?

Derived from the Latin 'ambitiosus', meaning 'seeking favor' or 'courting popularity'. It stems from 'ambitio' (a going around), referring to the Roman practice of candidates walking around the city to solicit votes for office.