Ambition Meaning

UK /æmˈbɪʃən/
US /æmˈbɪʃən/
Word Definition
ambition meaning

Ambition Definition & Usage

noun

A strong desire to achieve something, often requiring determination and hard work.

Examples

  • "Her ambition to become a doctor drove her to study tirelessly for years."
  • "He’s a man of ambition, always striving for the next big promotion."
  • "Despite his humble beginnings, his ambition to succeed never faltered."
  • "With great ambition, she set out to revolutionize the tech industry."
  • "His ambition was evident in everything he did, from his meticulous planning to his relentless work ethic."
noun

The pursuit of power, status, or wealth, often seen in the context of politics, business, or personal relations.

Examples

  • "The politician's ambition for power led him to make several morally questionable decisions."
  • "Her ambition was not just to succeed, but to dominate the market."
  • "In the competitive world of business, ambition can either drive success or lead to ruin."
  • "His ambition for wealth kept him working long hours at the expense of his personal life."
  • "The novel explores how unchecked ambition can lead to personal and professional downfall."

Cultural Context

The word 'ambition' comes from the Latin 'ambitio,' meaning 'a going around' or 'canvassing for votes.' Originally associated with political campaigns, it evolved to represent the broader concept of striving for goals.

The Heights of Ambition

Story

The Heights of Ambition

It was the kind of day where everything seemed possible. On the outskirts of the city, Jessica stood at the foot of a massive mountain, her gaze fixed on the peak, a challenge that only the most determined could conquer. She had always been ambitious, driven by a desire to prove herself, not just to the world, but to herself. Raised in a small town, where dreams seemed distant, she had learned to dream big from an early age. Her ambition wasn’t just about climbing mountains, though. As a young entrepreneur, she had worked tirelessly to build a tech startup from scratch. It had been a hard journey—late nights, countless setbacks, and moments when the pressure seemed unbearable. But her vision was clear: she wanted to create something that would change lives. The ambition that burned within her was the force that pushed her past failure and doubt. But not everyone understood her drive. “You’re always chasing the next big thing,” her best friend Sarah had once said, half-exasperated, half-admiring. “When do you stop and just enjoy what you’ve achieved?” For Jessica, enjoying the moment was not enough. She was a woman of ambition, and that meant reaching further, pushing harder, and constantly striving for more. On this day, standing at the base of the mountain, her goal seemed almost within reach. She knew that the climb would be tough. The air would thin, the path would get steeper, and her body would beg for rest. But her ambition was stronger than the doubts. It always had been. As she began her ascent, Jessica reflected on the times she had been told her ambition was too much—too consuming, too intense. But as the mountain grew closer, she realized that it was exactly that ambition that had brought her here, to this very moment. She could never have made it this far without it. By the time Jessica reached the summit, the sun had set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Her heart raced, not from the physical effort, but from the sheer satisfaction of having achieved what once seemed impossible. Her ambition had led her to this peak, but the true victory was in the journey itself.

The Heights of Ambition