- present participle of aspire.
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
Almost American Girl
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Astronauts
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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.
Turturro’s title character could be seen as a hero for those aspiring to an analog life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
As an aspiring pilot, he said schools should not just provide work experience opportunities, but additional teaching on other aspects of adult life outside of work.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
He’s gone on to make dozens of similar videos with far higher view counts, but even he worries that aspiring entrepreneurs are getting the wrong idea.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026
County Sheriff’s Department — could have affected their ability to engage in the surrogacy process, if a surrogacy firm conducted a diligent background check of the aspiring parents, according to two civil attorneys.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
You’re off to a great start as an aspiring director.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
