aspiring
Americanadjective
Synonym Usage
See ambitious.
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
But there does seem to be a sense of nominative determination for the youngest Jodar, who - like every aspiring Spanish player - idolises Nadal.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
This is a foundation of sand for a society aspiring to global power, and it shows.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
"This is the last straw," said Meghna Sen, a 17-year-old aspiring psychology student.
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
Notably, the chanteuse captivated audiences singing Henry Mancini and Don Black’s “Nothing to Lose” in the 1968 comedy “The Party,” in which she played an aspiring actress.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
Fronted by a lush lawn and palm trees, the Union Passenger Terminal had opened in 1954, an art deco-style building once aspiring to grandness but since overtaken by a certain grey municipal malaise.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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.
