aspiring
Americanadjective
Related Words
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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Workshop 6, Part 1
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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.
These aspiring Jacobins, in other words, wanted to silence an advocate of campus free speech—thereby proving his point.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Since that interview, Rai has developed into a strong role model - not just for British Asians but aspiring golfers from all backgrounds.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
"This is the last straw," said Meghna Sen, a 17-year-old aspiring psychology student.
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
The note informed aspiring artists about a newly formed arts school.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
But I used to hide in the back of the school theater in London and watch Mrs. Campbell test aspiring actors.
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
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.
