aspiring
Americanadjective
Synonym Usage
See ambitious.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of aspiring
First recorded in 1575–1595; aspire ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
If you're aspiring, you're trying to be something. If you're an aspiring singer, you're probably out booking as many gigs as possible in the hopes that someone will soon discover you. The adjective aspiring describes a person who wants to succeed at a particular goal, often one related to a career. Many aspiring artists move to New York City in the hopes that they'll get into a major gallery and sell their art. Aspiring country musicians move to Nashville to try to land a recording deal. If you're an aspiring politician, you may study political science and intern at the state senator's offices to gain experience and make connections.
Vocabulary lists containing aspiring
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aspiring racing drivers have to go to multiple events a year.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
Aspiring Olympic bobsledder Michelle Gloor was hoping to represent Switzerland in the Milan-Cortina Games before a cancer diagnosis changed her life.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026
Aspiring prime minister and political heavyweight Tarique Rahman was welcomed back to Bangladesh on Thursday by huge crowds of joyous supporters after 17 years in self-imposed exile.
From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025
Aspiring home buyers may also hesitate because they’re growing worried about the economy and about losing their jobs, according to the latest reads on consumer confidence.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025
Aspiring wordsmiths would do well to cultivate this awareness.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
