Words / B2

am-BISH-uh-s/æmˈbɪʃəs/

Ambitious describes a person who aims high, or a plan that needs a lot of effort: an ambitious student, an ambitious timetable. Aiming high is everyday; pushy can sound critical. Ambition is the noun. The word can praise (drive) or warn (unrealistic). In speech, she wants a lot from her career is plainer than she is ambitious if you fear sounding judgemental.

Meaning

Having a strong wish to succeed, or needing a lot of effort.

Examples

• “She is ambitious and wants to study abroad.”
• “It is an ambitious syllabus for a ten-week course.”
• “He is ambitious, but he still helps the rest of the team.”

Good to know

an ambitious plan / person. Noun: ambition. Everyday: aiming high. Can praise or warn.

Near in meaning

aspiring

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