aspirational

[as-puh-rey-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. relating to or characterized by aspiration or a strong desire for something.

   their aspirational goals for the New Year.

2. aimed at or appealing to people who want to attain a higher social position or standard of living.

   a magazine featuring aspirational products for the home.

3. Medicine/Medical.,  relating to the act of removing a fluid from a body cavity or of inhaling a fluid into the lungs.

4. Phonetics.,  relating to articulation involving an audible puff of breath.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspirational¹

aspiration + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Despite the school’s aspirational name, students found no ivy or dreaming spires.

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The old engagement, championed by decades of U.S. policymakers, was built on a liberal, aspirational hope: that economic integration would inevitably lead to a more open, politically reformed China.

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He represented a gilded, aspirational figure to over half of voters.

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He represented a gilded, aspirational figure to over half of voters.

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“There is a contrast between the dreamy, aspirational images couples want to emulate, the trends they want to incorporate, and the reality of what their budget allows,” Zola notes.

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