English · Word Candidate

ambition

/æmˈbɪʃ.ən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: ambitions · ambitioning · ambitioned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Eager or inordinate desire for some object that confers distinction, as preferment, honor, superiority, political power, or fame; desire to distinguish one's self from other people.

Noun

Examples

My daughter, Johanna, wants to be a firefighter very much. She has a lot of ambition.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An object of an ardent desire.

Noun

Examples

My ambition is to own a helicopter.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To seek after ambitiously or eagerly; to covet.

Verb

Examples

Pausanias, ambitioning the sovereignty of Greece, bargains with Xerxes for his daughter in marriage.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “ambition” mean?

Eager or inordinate desire for some object that confers distinction, as preferment, honor, superiority, political power, or fame; desire to distinguish one's self from other people.

Is “ambition” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.